Fred Emil Lukermann Jr. (December 9, 1921 – September 1, 2009) was an American geographer. He was born in Minneapolis and attended the University of Minnesota, the university at which he later led a successful career.[1] In honor of Lukermann's contributions to the state of Minnesota, Governor Rudy Perpich named the day September 18, 1989 "Fred E. Lukermann Day".[2]
Lukermann was born on December 9, 1921, in Minneapolis, Minnesota; he attended Roosevelt High School, and lived at the same address until he left for college. When he first joined the University of Minnesota, he intended to become a teacher, but became interested in geography and began coursework in it around his sophomore year.[3] Lukermann took time off of school to serve in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War II, and received a B.S. (1948), an M.A. (1950), and a Ph.D. (1997) once returning to university.[4]
Lukermann joined the faculty of the University of Minnesota's geography department in the early 1950s, and helped the program rise to national prominence while serving as department chair.[5] From 1978 until his 1989 retirement, Lukermman served as dean of the university's College of Liberal Arts.[6] His wife, Barbara Lukermann, died in 2009, preceding Fred in death. The two were residents of Falcon Heights, Minnesota.[1][7] At the time of his death, Fred had advised 21 Ph.D. students.[4]