Obituary of Frederick G. Kroeter

Frederick “Freddy” Kroeter passed away peacefully, surrounded by family in his Denville home on Sunday July 28^th, 2024. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many.

Born April 28th, 1935 in New York City and raised in Warren Township,  New Jersey. Childhood memories include working at age 6 cutting the lawn and barely reaching the lawnmower handles and receiving a red radio flyer wagon for Christmas and later using it to gather  stones from the brook to build the driveway stone wall. The wall remains in tact today. Fred would tell stories of working at age 10 setting up wooden pins in the machine at the local bowling alley  and then working as a caddy first carrying ladies golf bags for nine holes then being promoted to men’s doubles.  He financed his love of pinball by collecting empty bottles for return from behind a local bar.  Fred recalled swimming in the Passaic River and Watchung Lake, walking the mile from his childhood home. He achieved Eagle Scout rank, the highest attainable in the Scouts BSA program. Fred was a standout baseball player receiving the North Plainfield High School Athletic’s Association Varsity Baseball award in 1953.

Fred went on to serve his country in the US Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1964. Fred continued to serve his community for over 20 years as a fireman and member of the underwater recovery (scuba) unit of the Denville Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad. He could be found operating, with a joke and a smile, the funnel cake booth each year at the Department`s Annual Carnival.

Freddy was a talented man, good with his hands, and truly a hard worker. He started his business and grew Fred Kroeter Contractor consistently and successfully for nearly 55 years. All while enjoying every minute life had to offer of adventures with his family. Freddy enjoyed his time spent in the water. He loved to scuba dive, open ocean swim, body surfing, and long weekends spent at the shore house. He took pleasure in searching for treasures up and down the beach with his metal detector. His wife and children would pack up their necessities into a travel trailer and just, drive. They visited nearly every state east of the Mississippi camping by not caring about the journey, but the destination. If it was time spent with family, it was time well spent. 

Freddy`s life treasures were his wife, kids, travel, and a good meal. Followed by a nice bowl of ice cream. He was an admirable baseball coach, dad, and grandfather anyone could ask for and he will be deeply missed.

Although we are saddened by his loss, we take comfort in knowing he is now finally reunited with his brother Paul Kroeter. He now looks to those to continue his memory, his loving wife of 65 years Joan Kroeter; His devoted children Susan Kroeter, Chris Kroeter, Jill Gussis and her husband James. His loving grandchildren Sierra Kroeter, Zane Kroeter, Sydney Kroeter, Georgia Gussis, and Jason Gussis. His nephews Gregory Kroeter and Douglas McKnight and his sister Diane McKnight.

Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family for visitation on Wednesday July 31st from 12 – 4 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday August 1st at 10 am at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Mountain Lakes, NJ. Burial will immediately follow at Green-Wood Cemetery, 500 25th St, Brooklyn, NY.  Memorial Donations are being accepted in Freddy`s memory to the Denville Fire Department and Veterans Administration by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Freddy here to continue to celebrate his life and let his light shine. His family will cherish them always.