Fred Droege, Jr. '55 Joins Chapter Celestial

Milton Frederick (Fred) Droege, Jr. was born in Chicago on February 28, 1935, and died on December 30, 2020, at the age of 85 due to complications of Covid-19.

In his early years, Fred played the viola, won both state debate and ping pong championships, and spent a summer studying in Mexico City. Throughout his life, he enjoyed travel, art and music, and captivated others with stories of his wide-ranging travels and experiences. Fred was admired for his ability to make people laugh while conveying weighty messages, and left an impression that lasted long after the initial interaction. Many people witnessed his caring nature in his love for his family, his faith, and his dedication to helping people and organizations become the best they could be.

Military service with the 330th U.S. Army Security Agency took him to Korea in 1957. After returning he completed Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Purdue University, where he became a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He worked for IBM in Indiana and as a stockbroker in New York and Illinois. After moving to Tulsa, he earned a doctorate at The University of Tulsa and then directed TU's Management Development Center and served as an associate professor. He went on to work for The Williams Companies, serving as their first Vice President of Organization Development. As founder and president of Droege & Associates, a management consulting firm, he worked with more than 95 businesses and organizations in the U.S. and internationally. Fred shared his expertise in organizational development as a board member and advisor for many Tulsa organizations including First Presbyterian Church (where he served as an elder), Leadership Tulsa, Holland Hall School, Tulsa Junior League, Tulsa Community Service Council, Philbrook Art Center, Tulsa Arts & Humanities Council, Tulsa Urban League and Clarehouse.

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Donna Brandt Droege; daughters, Kristin Droege (David Crump) and Leslie Droege; children by marriage, Rebecca Brandt Wiseman (Alexander Wiseman) and James Brandt III; grandchildren, Nathan Elkind, Lindsay Wiseman, Logan Wiseman, Caitlyn Brandt, and O'Livia Brandt. He was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Droege.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Carment, nurses, and caregivers of Zarrow Pointe; Dr. Tran and nurses of St. John ER; and Dr. Madden and nurses of St. John ICU.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to support Parkinson's Disease research, the American Heart Association, or a charity of your choice.

Published by Tulsa World on Jan. 10, 2021.