Friedhelm “Fred” Erwin Marunde, 90, a former mayor of Forest Park, died peacefully on May 27, 2025. Born on Jan. 7, 1935, in Jastrow/Pommern, Germany to parents Elizabeth and Alfred Marunde. The day before his 10th birthday, soldiers of the invading Russian Army took his family prisoner. They survived on scraps the soldiers tossed into the kitchen garbage. One night, during a vicious winter storm, he fled with his mother and sister through a heavily wooded area to the British DMZ of West Germany. They were caught by Russian border guards in October 1946, but his mother was able to bribe them with vodka.
After more than seven years, his father was reunited with the family in Muenster/Westfallen thanks to the help of the American Red Cross. In Muenster Fred resumed his education, walking eight miles a day to attend school. Four long years later, in April 1952, the family floated past the Statue of Liberty following a successful application to immigrate to the United States, and they settled in Forest Park. He joined the Jugendchor (Young People’s Chorus) in Forest Park and the Harlem Maennerchor (Male Chorus). He served as president of the Jugendchor from 1953 until 1956.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1956; he was assigned to the Army Engineers at the Presidio of San Francisco, where he served as a map engraver to the 6th U.S. Army 30th Engineer Corps, ultimately earning the rank of Specialist 5th class. During his service, he became an American citizen. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Forest Park and married his sweetheart, Roberta. They were soon blessed by the arrival of Kimary Ileen, and Kristin Ann shortly after.
He spent 39 years working for Process Color Plate, a Division of Schawk Graphics Inc. in Desplaines, serving as an advisor for customers throughout the food and beverage industry. During that time, Fred was active in German-American singing societies. Notably, he served as president emeritus for the Harlem Male Chorus, United Male Choruses of Chicago, and the North American Singers Association.
Fred co-founded “Oktoberfest” in Forest Park in 1966 to bring the community together to uphold the village’s German heritage, and it continues 59 years later. Fred and Roberta were also active volunteers at The Altenheim, affectionately referred to as the German “Old People’s Home,” where they served a combined 50 years committed to the welfare of the residents. From 1971-1979 they served on the facility’s board of directors and were honored for their efforts with a historic bell and plaque in 2005, placed outside of Altenheim.
He was elected a commissioner on the village council (1975-1979) and subsequently served consecutive four-year terms as mayor of the village of Forest Park.
On Sept. 11, 1983, he was awarded the German Cross, Germany’s highest civilian decoration. The Cross was presented to him by the German Ambassador in Forest Park at St. John Lutheran Church on behalf of the German President for his endeavors to strengthen German-American friendship.
Upon retirement in the Spring of 2000, the Marundes relocated to Bonita Springs, Florida and became active members at Hope Lutheran Church, serving on the board of elders and the Hope Foundation.
Fred was the husband to the late Roberta (nee Slavik); the father of Kristin and the late Kimary; the brother of Christel Freeman (late Walter); the brother-in-law of Nadine Myers; the uncle of Jennifer (Zach) Newton and Heather (Greg) Sorrells; the great-uncle (Opa) of Nathan and Olivia; the uncle of Steven Cross and Jeffrey (Lea) Cross; the great-uncle of Christopher, Phillip, Aaron and Adam; and the family friend of Patricia Witte.
Visitation will be held at Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester on Wednesday, June 4 from 3 to 8 p.m. and on Thursday, June 5 at St. John Lutheran Church, 305 Circle Ave., Forest Park from 10:30 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., with interment at Bronswood Cemetery.