Frederick Lacher Obituary

I met Mr. Lacher way back in 1970 or so, when he taught social studies at Granger School, then a small humble school at the junction of Routes 34 and 59 near Naperville, IL. The school is a ghost now, long since torn down and yet it lingers in my memory, as it did for many Boomer-aged kids who attended there. Granger soon burst at the seams with its K through 8th grade population, and the younger kids were relocated to Longwood, kids like my two younger sisters. At Granger, Mr. Lacher taught alongside Mr. Retelny (Science), Miss Kryst (English), (who married and later became Mrs. Cragan). Mr. Lacher was the “cool” teacher, cerebral and observant. He would’ve been 27 years old then, and I remember being so intimidated when I had to give a speech in front of the class. Our Social Studies book was one heavy tome, too. Drop it on your foot and you might break a toe! Mr. Lacher had us read a supplementary book on the Viet Nam War, also. What he did for me personally, however, is immeasurable. I doodled a lot and had an interest in editorial cartoons. Mr. Lacher asked me to draw historical murals for the large bulletin board in the back of his classroom. Often I lacked confidence, I wasn’t popular or pretty. Nor was I a super brainy type. But I could draw. Armed with my black magic markers, I sketched things like Christopher Columbus’s ships, other historical figures. I graduated from Granger in 1971, and before I left, I had a discussion with Mr. Lacher on career goals. I wanted to do something important. Something impressive. So I told Mr. Lacher I was going to be a pediatrician. He sat across from me, pondered a bit, and then asked, “Why not art and writing? Those are your strengths.” I shook my head, insistent that becoming a doctor was my destiny. Mr. Lacher said, “You can do it, if you want, become a doctor. But you’ll have to work hard, because I don’t think science comes naturally to you. But you’re smart and you can do it, if you put your mind to it.” His advice is such a contrast to what young people hear today, that they can “be anything they want.” Yet Mr. Lacher didn’t discourage me—he just wanted to help prepare me. To be realistic. Well, fast-forward five decades, and I did go on to write and draw. I worked in advertising and I wrote a local newspaper column. And I never stopped drawing, even though I’m a bit rusty now. I never forgot his advice or how he dispensed it. A few years later, after I completed high school and was in college, Mr. Lacher asked me to come to Longwood to do another mural. By then, he’d met my father, who owned a landscape firm in Naperville. (Mr. Lacher was the principal of Longwood by then, I think, and wanted some landscaping for the school) Well, I loved how he treated my Dad. My father was a blue-collar guy, very smart and charismatic, but he could be intimidated by those who had more a formal education than he did. Mr. Lacher was friendly and respectful, and I loved him for it. My father was friendly in return—no pretenses. Here it is, almost 2 years after his death, and I’m very sad to hear Mr. Lacher passed. Very sad. The world seems to keep losing its best souls.

Jean, I am so very sorry for your
loss of Fred. I just learned about his recent passing this evening.
I was one of his First Grade teachers at Longwood School. He was a fine principal and mentor. He was certainly a man of integrity!

I wish you comfort and peace as I share in you sorrow.

We will miss Fred dearly. He was such a kind, honest, intelligent person - and someone who we always enjoyed talking with. He took care of our pets for many years and we will always be grateful for the love and care he gave them.

We will truly miss Fred. He was a good man and a very important part of our family as he took care of and walked our dog Casey while we had to be away at work or elsewhere. He took such great care of her and our current dog as well. He was always there when we needed him. I will also miss our sports conversations and general musings about life.

Fred was truly a great educator and friend. I had the honor of working with him at both Longwood and May Watts Schools. He took the time to learn every child's name and made each feel important. He supported his staff in every educational endeavor. He worked for Indian Prairie School District for 38 years and was a loyal employee. He will he missed by hundreds of staff he worked with over the years. Rest In Peace dear friend. You will be missed.

We are going to miss Fred tremendously. He was a true friend and devoted dog walker who treated our dogs with the love and care he gave to his own. We enjoyed good conversations, laughs and wry observations on the vagaries of life.