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Frederick Martin Chreist, Sr. Frederick Martin Chreist, Sr., 86, Professor Emeritus of The University of New Mexico and a resident of Albuquerque for over 50 years, passed away on December 28, 1998. Fritz, as he was known to his many friends and colleagues, was born in South Bend, Indiana on August 23, 1912. His loving wife Bernice preceded him in death in 1979. He is survived by son Fred, Jr. and wife Jo Ann, son Steve and wife Judy, son Bill and wife Cindy, all of Albuquerque; five grandchildren, Scott, Brenda, Ryan, Randy and Jessica; two Great grandchildren, Lauren and Mitchell. Also surviving is his brother Louis of South Bend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis R. Chreist, Sr., and mother Mattie Martin Chreist. Fred graduated from Depauw University in Greencastle, Indiana where he was a member of the Delta Chi fraternity and the Depauw tennis team. He received his MA in speech from Northwestern University. After working in the South Bend public schools as a speech clinician he served in the Pacific with the U. S. Navy during World War II. He was separated from the Navy as a Lt. Commander and entered the Doctoral program in Speech Pathology at Northwestern University. In 1947 Fred moved the family to Albuquerque where he was hired to establish a speech pathology and audiology program at the University of New Mexico. In 1949 the division of speech pathology was elevated to department status and Fred soon returned to complete his Ph.D. at Northwestern. After completing his Ph.D. Fred continued to teach at UNM for over 31 years. He was instrumental in the founding of the Albuquerque Speech and Hearing Clinic, the New Mexico cleft palate Team, and a Masters degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology at UNM. Fred also was a major influence in UNM's creation of a program in English as a second language. Numerous foreign students over a number of decades benefited from his commitment in addition to his skill. During his tenure at UNM he wrote numerous articles and books. He retired from UNM in 1978. Fred was very active in the Albuquerque community, where he was one of the founding fathers of St. Marks on the Mesa Episcopal Church and St. Thomas of Canterbury, the Episcopal church on The University of New Mexico campus. As an active member of St. Thomas he served in many lay capacities including Senior Warden of the Vestry. St. Thomas was the love of his community life and he truly enjoyed the spirit of peace he received from this association. An active community volunteer, he also gave freely of his time and talent in helping children who were challenged by various speech impediments. Fred was a dedicated bicyclist, who could be seen each day riding from the University to his home in the city. After retirement his goal was to ride at least 100 miles a week, which he easily accomplished. A tireless worker, he and Bernice built their own cabin in the Taos Mountains, which became their retreat to hike, write and be close to God and nature. All of"Fritz's" family will miss him dearly. There is great comfort in knowing he has gone to a better place to be with his beloved"Bernie". The family would like to thank Manzano Del Sol and Hospice for their loving care during his last months. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, December 31, 1998 at 10:30 AM at St. Thomas of Canterbury, 425 University NE, Albuquerque, NM, with The Rev. Carole McGowan officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fred M. Chreist, Sr. Speech Scholarship at the University of New Mexico, c/o UNM Development Office, University of New Mexico, 87131.
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