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Fred Bramlage

Businessman. Born: October 12, 1910, Junction City, Kansas.   Died: March 17, 1992 Junction City, Kansas.

Frederick Bramlage was born on October 12, 1910, in Junction City to parents Edward and Sophia (Vormebr) Bramlage.

Bramlage attended St. Xavier’s High School in Junction City. He went on to attend Rockhurst College and later Kansas State University; he graduated in 1935 with training as a certified public accountant. While at K-State he started his business ventures as an agent and manager for Socony-Vacuum.

He married Dorothy Hill on April 20, 1938. They had three children, Dorothy Elaine, Frederick Robert, and Paul Steven.

He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters from 1944 to 1946.

Bramlage claimed many business successes and interests in oil, banking, tires, real estate development, and beverage bottling and distribution.  He was active in many organizations: a member of Elks, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Eagles, Amvets, Junction City Chamber of Commerce, and Knights of Columbus. He was a state commander for the American Legion and past national vice commander.

He supported organizations such as Boy Scouts, Junction City library, Geary County Historical Museum, Kansas State University, military and veterans organizations, his local church, and housing for the elderly.  

He supported Dwight D. Eisenhower in his 1952 bid for president.

Bramlage helped extensively to raise funds for a new facility to replace Ahearn Field House at Kansas State University. The new facility was dedicated the Fred Bramlage Coliseum in 1988.

He was named the Native Sons and Daughters Kansan of the Year in 1987. He was also elected to the Kansas Business Hall of Fame in 1990.

Bramlage died in Junction City on March 17, 1992.

Entry: Bramlage, Fred

Author: G. Joseph Pierron

Author information: Judge Pierron serves on the Kansas Court of Appeals and has an interest in Kansas history.

Date Created: November 2012

Date Modified: July 2016

The author of this article is solely responsible for its content.