Fred Lorenzen, known to the racing world as “Fast Freddie,” “Fearless Freddie,” and the “Golden Boy,” was a man of extraordinary talent and an even greater heart. Born on December 30, 1934, in Elmhurst, Illinois, to Frederick Sr. and Dorothy Kasmark, Fred lived a life filled with passion, from the racetrack to his cherished role as a Dad.
He was a proud father of Chris Lorenzen (Denise Dayan) and Amanda Lorenzen Gardstrom (Dave Gardstrom); beloved grandfather of Ella and Kendall; dear brother of the late Faith, Donna, and Ricky; half-brother of Tom and Dan Lorenzen and an uncle to many.
Fred’s love for racing began in his childhood, when he built a lawn mower-powered go-kart that he sped all around the streets of Elmhurst. His racing career took off in 1953 at Soldier Field in Chicago, leading him to win the USAC Championships in 1958 and 1959. His big break came on Christmas Eve when Holman Moody offered him a spot on their NASCAR team.
A true pioneer, Fred was the first driver in NASCAR history to earn $100,000 in a single season and to win at every Super Speedway in a single season, including his victory at the 1965 Daytona 500. He was voted NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver in 1963 and 1965, admired for his skill, good looks and his charm. As one of NASCAR’s 50 greatest drivers of all time, Fred was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Fred was not just a dreamer, he was a doer. He was a man who never gave up on his dreams, a lesson he passed down to his children. He lived life without regret, present in every moment, his humor infectious, and his charisma magnetic.
After retiring from racing, Fred transitioned into a successful career in real estate. Whether running into him at the local Jewel or seeing him cruise around town, Fred always found time say hello and talk to everyone.
As a father, Fred was extraordinary. He prioritized his children and their friends, often piling everyone into his car for trips to the movies, go-karting, The Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club, York Commons and Dairy Queen. If someone didn’t have enough money, Fred would cover it. He gave generously, ensuring everyone around him enjoyed life.
His home was always a welcoming place for kids, with a yard that had a hammock, tire swing, a fridge stocked with every pop you could imagine, and a basement with games galore for everyone. If you were a race fan and drove by, he’d invite you in to see the trophy room. He was incredibly humble.
Fred lived life on the edge, refusing to slow down, his determination and resilience as fierce off the track as they were on. Fred Lorenzen lived boldly, teaching those who knew him that life is best lived with kindness, generosity, authenticity and fun, always encouraging you to follow your dream.
Visitation Friday, December 20, 2024, 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 21, 2024, 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 10:00 a.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, (½ mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. Interment Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Hillside. Fred battled dementia for over 20 years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Fred’s name to the Concussion Legacy Foundation at 361 Newbury Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02115. http://give.concussionfoundation.org/FredLorenzen The Concussion Legacy Foundation works to end sport-related dementia through prevention and research. For funeral information please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com