Fred Walter Bewersdorf

Fred Walter Bewersdorf, 90, of Camarillo, died peacefully on December 5, 2010. Born March 11, 1920 in Lockport, IL, he is survived by his loving wife of over 68 years, Elva Marie Bewersdorf, his son, Fred Donald Bewersdorf of Palm Springs, his daughter, Nancy Adele Sloan of Oxnard, and his granddaughter, Kelly Marie Dugaiczyk of San Jose. Fred was a gifted athlete. Excelling in the late 1930’s and 1940’s, he would eventually be honored as an inductee in his hometown’s basketball hall of fame, a.k.a the “Lockport Legends.” He also later starred at Joliet Junior College, where he graduated. Playing both with and against the NBA legend George Mikan highlighted his basketball career. At 6’5” he was a tall center during his basketball days and would laugh when told that he would now be considered a short guard. Fred’s athletic abilities were not just limited to basketball. As a baseball player, he played against the legendary Bob Feller and Satchel Paige and was drafted by the Chicago White Sox. His professional athletic career was cut short by WWII, where for three years; he proudly served his country as a gunnery sergeant on the front lines in France, Belgium, and Germany. After his brave exploits overseas, Fred’s interests turned to nuclear energy, aerospace, and public service. Fred worked for Argonne National Laboratories in IL, Aerojet GenCorp, and Northrop in CA. The State of CA Water Resources Company employed him until his retirement from in the mid 1980’s. Fred was also a proud member of several prominent and charitable organizations. These organizations would include the National Honor Society, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the United Methodist Church in Lockport, Ill., the latter of which he served as an Elder. Fred will always be remembered as a man of integrity that treated everyone with the upmost respect and dignity. He was a wonderful person who was loved by all. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 19, 2010 at 3:00 pm at the United Methodist Church of Camarillo. Sunday December 19, 2010 , 3:00pm at Camarillo United Methodist Church Click for Map and Directions