Funeral Details

To my dear, kind, husband, Fred Schwimmer, who passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026 with me, Ellie, by his side, just two days before his 91st birthday. I held the phone to his ear so that both his children, Libby and Dan, could say their “I love You’s”. He adored Libby and Dan and they in turn adored him. We had 64, almost 65, years of love and respect for each other. His celebration of life will be held on our 65th anniversary this summer, officiated by his cousin Rabbi Chuck Rubovits.

He was predeceased by his parents, Viola and Marshall, his brother Mike, who passed away three weeks prior to Fred, and his sister-in-law Anne.

Fred was loved by his children, Dan (Laura) and Libby (Jim). His grandchildren, Hannah and Tyler Schwimmer and Jacob and Genevieve “Chris” Vogel. He was also loved by his nieces, Carol Stradley, Lisa Marier, Rusty Schwimmer, Jenny Simpson, Alison Clement, Melissa Goldberg, and his nephew Derek Daniels. And he was loved by his sisters-in-law Linda Paull (Joel) and Barbara Daniels (Errol).

Fred grew up in Winnetka, was in the first class to attend Crow Island Elementary school, graduated from New Trier and the University of Michigan. He chose to raise his family in Winnetka as well. Fred was an avid reader. We remember him regularly checking out 4 or 5 books each week from the library. He would read anything from mysteries, to history, to non-fiction, to stories about sports. He had an amazing sense of direction, loved taking us on driving trips, and he loved history. From U.S. history to local history to his family’s history. He remembered and shared it all. He loved watching all sports, from golf to baseball and especially his favorite teams the Cubs and Bears. Fred worked as a stock broker at Bear Stearns following his late father, serving clients, including his own family, for nearly five decades. Between helping charities and his family, his generosity knew no bounds. He was a proud Rotarian and a longtime supporter of the Hadley School for the Blind. Fred and I also shared a love of antiques. We had booths at several antique malls in the area, including one at the Oakton Street Antique Center for over 25 years. We both thoroughly enjoyed searching for new items as well as working and interacting with like-minded people.

Everyone Dan, Libby, and I have spoken to since his passing had kind words to say about Fred. It is clear that he touched so many people’s lives in so many different ways.

I miss you greatly. I will love you forever. -Ellie