Fred, Swede, The Colonel was born in Manhattan, NY. He was the eldest son of Axel and Elin Lagergren, residents of New York. As most of you know, he passed away last month. After a short illness, he died peacefully in his sleep and now is ready for his next journey/flight. He left us way too early and now is soaring above us all and thanking each one of you for touching his life over the years! We will miss him greatly as his kindness and generosity were 2nd to none! He always went out of his way to help others or provide grace. He was a huge animal lover also! Fred was a graduate of Bedford Hills High School, 1947. He went on to college and alumni of Utica Tech (class of 1950) and after a long recess from classes (26 years) Dad went on to graduate from the University of Tampa, BS (class of 1976). During his childhood he spent time with the Boy Scouts and also the Air Scouts of Mt Kisco Troops (NY). He always had a love of flying and airplanes so he enlisted in the USAF. Fred served his nation proudly in both the Korean War and the early stages of the Vietnam War. He was accepted into Aviation Cadet Pilot Training and went on to piloting and achieving Commander Status of several aircrafts throughout his career. They included the C-46, C-119, C-124 and was one of the first crews to fly the C-141 Star Lifter, out of Travis AFB, CA. Toward the end of his 33 year career, (when he gave up flying) The Colonel became Squadron Commanders for 2 Wing Groups-SAC 4239th Strategic Wing Group, Kinchelo AFB, Sault Ste Marie, MI, and Air Base Commander (482nd Wing) - Homestead AFB, FL. Upon retiring from the USAF, Fred went on to volunteering and helping his fellow Vets, including the Veterans Medical Center of Omaha and the DAV, where he drove them around to their medical and personal appointments. He also served for over 15 years with the American Legion Post #331, with their Honor Guard Team. The Colonel, Swede, Fred, and Dad was 86 years old and is survived by his 3 children, Fritz LagergrenDallas, TX, Kirsten A. LagergrenDallas, TX, Lisa Lynne LagergrenAnchorage, AK; brother Jan Eric LagergrenAlexandria, VA; special friend and companion Mabel Irene PodkovichBellevue, NE; numerous friends throughout the United States.Graveside Service with Full Military Honors presented by American Legion Post #331 Saturday, October 17th, 12:00 noon at the St. John Cemetery Mausoleum (36th and ChandlerBellevue).In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations honoring Fred be made to any one of the following: TownandCountryHumaneSociety.org-Papillion or OperationKindness.org or Wounded warriorproject.org
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