Frederick R. Yndestad, age 93, of Naperville, IL passed away peacefully March 25, 2026. He was born in Oak Park, IL September 28, 1932. He graduated from Proviso East High School and loved spending time with his many friends and family members. He was an Army Veteran of the Korean War Era where he was a member of the Military Police and assigned to escort officials and dignitaries to multiple atomic bomb tests in the Nevada Desert.
Fred graduated from Northern Illinois University where he played on the Huskie baseball team and majored in education. It was there he met his lifelong love and soon to be wife, Jackie. They were married June 14, 1958, and started their married life in Wheaton, IL. Fred was so excited to buy their first home together. They later moved to Naperville where they raised their children. Naperville became their town for many reasons including Fred working and coaching at both Naperville Central and Naperville High School.
After their teaching careers, they moved to Estero, Florida to join several Naperville friends in the area. As a couple, they enjoyed friends in several communities throughout the year. Family memories were shared at Nelligan Lake, Wisconsin during summer months and in Estero, FL in the Villages of Country Creek in the winter. They enjoyed traveling with friends very much.
Fred’s true love outside of his family was the game of baseball. He coached many teams at both high schools and founded senior softball park district teams in both Naperville and Estero. He played in high school, college, as well as the Army. He ran intramurals including an exceedingly popular ski club. His passion was to expose as many students as possible to athletics. He is also known for playing Santa throughout Naperville. His suit and bells brought many smiles to all that witnessed his magic.
Fred’s family grew with the addition of 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandsons. Both of their children raised their families in the Naperville area, so you often saw him cheering on his grandkids at their favorite sporting activity. In the later days of Fred’s life, he was commonly referred to as coach by his nursing staff. He loved playing that role until his death.
Fred was a dear father of Kurt (Laurie) Yndestad and Kristen (Joe) Salerno: adored grandfather of Justin (Amanda), Brian and Matt (Keenan) Salerno and Kelly (Austin) Condra. Great Grandfather to Jack Salerno and Logan Condra. Fred was also an older brother and friend to his brother Richard A. Yndestad of Naperville.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Jackie, his mother, Henrietta Yndestad; his father Frederick G. Yndestad, his grandson, Kevin Yndestad.
A private family service was held in honor of both Fred & Jackie.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shining Stars Foundation shiningstarsfoundation.org
Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation at bearnecessities.org.
