Fred Wachtmeister Jr. was born on Nov. 26, 1945, in Manhattan, N.Y.; his parents were Fred and Hermine (Friesl) Wachtmeister. He spent his first 10 years in the Bronx before his family moved to Hawthorne, N.Y., in 1955. Fred's high school years were at Concordia preparatory Lutheran school and Valhalla high school where he graduated in June of 1963. He started at the State University of New York in Plattsburgh, N.Y., in the fall of 1963, where he earned a BA in history in 1967 and a masters of arts in history in 1969.

Fred met his future wife Margaret on their way to the Redeemer Lutheran Church and they married on June 12, 1965; they had two daughters, Liesl and Erika.

In September 1969, Fred began teaching social studies at Peru high school and continued there until his retirement in July of 2000. After his retirement, he continued to substitute teach and teach at Peru, proctoring the AP examinations. Fred always enjoyed running into his former students through the years.

In 1976 Fred decided to run for the Plattsburgh city school board to have a voice in the education offered to his children. His first attempt was unsuccessful; he was elected to the school board in 1977. After a brief time off the board, he was again elected to the school board in 1981 which he served until June 30, 2022.

Family was important to Fred; he helped care for his aging parents and aunt and then his wife Marge. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Nathanial and Jacob, and his daughters though his last years were afflicted with ALS. He is survived by his two daughters, Liesl Fox and Erika Wachtmeister.

In lieu of flowers, Fred and his family would like friends to bring donations to the Elmore SPCA and local food shelves.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 643-9055. To make a floral purchase, offer an online condolence, share a symbolic gesture, or share a photo in memory of Fred Wachtmeister please visit www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com