NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/315021
34 NEBRASKAland • JUNE 2014 happened eight years ago while ice fishing at night in Pierce. "There were several other men in the area and one of them had a three-wheeler," said Egley. "It was dark, and he drove out on the ice and started racing around. The first thing we knew, he was screaming, and he had gone through the ice. It was dark, and we could just tell the direction that he was in by his howling, and we both ran. Of course, I wasn't the fastest runner [being nearly 90 then], but Don had gotten to where he had gone through. He was standing on top of his three-wheeler under the water and he couldn't breathe." "I had cleats on and I got clear down as far as I could go," continued Kraemer. "There was a flag on a pole. Fred took that off and handed it to me. I reached out and the kid grabbed a hold of it, and we got him out. We didn't know him. He was just a kid from Madison. Fred brought his sled because he really thought we were going to have a corpse." Kraemer was also a football announcer, which worked out for Egley, who is a die-hard Husker fan. "Fred was always with me. There we are up at the press box at the Memorial Stadium in Lincoln," said Kraemer, showing me a photo. "I was doing a play-by-play of the state football championship and Fred was up there with me. I took him everywhere. I did it for some 20 years." Age Is Only a Number Since retiring in 1981 at age 65 as vice principal of Norfolk Junior High, Egley still tries to fish every chance he gets, and he will continue to do so with Kraemer, his sons and grandchildren by his side for as long as his body will allow him. Kraemer and I chuckled in admiration as Egley pulled out a recent photo of himself, clad in blue swimming trunks and goggles, about to take a leap off the diving board at the YMCA. Even at 98, he is still able to drive himself to the gym every week. If it wasn't for the pain in his back, he would have no need for the walker. Having been a coach, gymnastics instructor and PT boat training school instructor in his lifetime, Egley knows the importance of staying healthy and in shape. It's allowed him to stay on the water all these years. "Some days, I think I'm a pretty good fisherman and some days not so good," said Egley, with a laugh. "It's still exciting to fish. I don't think I'll ever get bored of it." "So tell me, Fred, what's the secret to living a long and happy life?" I asked. His answer was simple: "Keeping in good physical condition is extremely important, and making every effort to be happy with your life and your job." Though easier said than done, that's what has made Fred Egley's life so special. ■ h f s o E o T s t t h w 9 h o w Egley with one of his great- granddaughters at his son's lake house in Norfolk. Egley has turned many of his grandchildren into anglers. Both Norfolk residents, Fred Egley and Don Kraemer have been close friends for years. The younger Kraemer still takes Egley fishing every chance he gets. JUNE 2014 • NEBRASKAland 35 Egley's wife Marie made many camping and fi shing trips with Fred. They were high school sweethearts and married in 1940. Marie died in 2004, just a day before the couple's 64th wedding anniversary.