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CORTLAND -- Frederick Poese departed this life on April 1, 2026, after a long decline due to dementia.
He was born Dec. 20, 1941, the oldest of two children to William and Helen Poese of Euclid.
He graduated from Euclid High School, Kent State University and Youngstown State University, eventually earning a master's degree in science education. He used this education to complete a 30-year career at Howland High School in Warren, teaching physics and chemistry. He also taught physics at Kent State and Youngstown State, both at nights and in his retirement. This career choice reflected his deep curiosity about the world, a curiosity that also led him to take his family on car-camping summer vacations that included nearly all 50 states and several Canadian provinces. These trips included a comprehensive itinerary that encompassed museums, national parks, historical sites and any vaguely interesting attraction, such as the Corn Palace. Fritz struck up interesting conversations at every stop that, while making his kids roll their eyes, enriched each visit and modeled how to actively engage with the world.
His worldview was predicated on the conscientious contribution to the growth of others. Both during and after his teaching career, he practiced his philosophy through active membership in the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, the Cortland Conservation Club, the Howland Retired Teachers Association, and several other organizations. He created enriching extracurricular experiences for his two children as well as his school students at the YSU Physics Olympics, Quiz Bowl events and science fairs.
He is survived by his wife, Karen; children, Matthew (Kelly) and Gretchen Hanson (Bob); grandchildren, Susannah, Madelyn, Molly and Katelyn; and sister, Louise Osborne (Robert).
A memorial service is being planned for early May at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.
His family thanks and appreciates the staff at Armstrong Memory Care, HomeCare Plus/Home Instead and Akeso Hospice for their end-of-life care.
Family and friends may send their heartfelt condolences by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
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