The Rev Dr. Daniel Gard released this statement regarding the passing of longtime Concordia University Chicago administrator, Dr. Fred Spurgat:
Legacy of Dr. Frederick A. Spurgat
Concordia University Chicago is both saddened and joyful in announcing the passing of Dr. Frederick A. Spurgat. We are sad to lose a long-time colleague and friend, but joyful that his suffering has ended and that he now rests with his Savior.
We can offer no better tribute to Fred than the closing words of the beloved Lenten hymn, “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”—words which have had a special meaning to Fred’s family:
Be Thou my consolation,
my shield when I must die;
Remind me of Thy passion
when my last hour draws nigh.
Mine eyes shall then behold Thee,
upon Thy cross shall dwell,
My heart by faith enfolds Thee.
Who dieth thus dies well (LSB 449).
Dr. Frederick A. Spurgat, born December 7, 1929, husband of Eunice G. nee Nuechterlein. Loving father of Valerie Crone, Liam Wolf and Julie (Jerry) Novak. Grandfather of James (Jenny) Crone and Joshua and Jacob Novak. Great grandfather of Addy and Emma Crone. Brother of Frances Benson, Carolyn Meyer, Miki McClelland, and Mary Spurgat (deceased).
Fred came to Concordia Teachers College as a high school freshman in the fall of 1944. He graduated from the high school in 1948, continued his studies at Concordia, and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1952. Fred was awarded an MBA in Accounting in 1961 and a PhD in Organization Theory in 1976, both from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. His doctoral research work involved numerous visits to both NASA and Chicago Northwestern Railroad sites.
Fred began his lifelong career at Concordia after graduation in 1952, initially as a member of the faculty and also serving as a Commissioned Minister of the Gospel for the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Early in his career as an educator, he taught music and accounting. Later his teaching shifted to organizational theory and economics. Fred held many administrative positions at Concordia during his career, which included Assistant Business Manager (1952-1956), Business Manager (1966-1974), Director of Food Service, Director of Computer Services, Dean of Administration (1976-1995), Vice President Administration and Finance (1992-1996), and Senior Vice President for Administration (1976-1997). Fred officially retired on December 31, 1997 after 45 years of continuous service on the campus, as both Professor of Economics and SVP for Administration. At his retirement, he was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus of Economics and Administration. The Concordia physical plant building was named the Spurgat Service Building in 1998. Following retirement, he remained dedicated to the university, serving as Special Assistant to the Vice President for Finance/CFO through June 2017.
Fred was a founding member of the Association of Business Administrators of Christian Colleges (ABACC) in 1960 and served continuously on the ABACC board for 58 years. In addition, Fred served on a number of LCMS synodical boards including Concordia Worker Benefit Plans, Office of Information Systems Management Board, Commission on Human Resources, and Telecommunications Advisory Group.
The funeral will be at The Chapel of Our Lord on the campus of Concordia University Chicago at 7400 Augusta Street in River Forest, IL on February 10, 2018. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00am with the service beginning at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Frederick and Eunice Spurgat Endowment Fund at Concordia University Chicago. Parking available in the Concordia University parking garage on campus. Interment will be at Concordia Cemetery in Forest Park, IL.
Those who wish to sing in the choir will meet at 10am in McCormick, Kretzmann Hall.
