Maneuvers Bar Owner Freddy Schramm Dies At Age 75

JOLIET, IL —A GoFundMe has been established in hopes of raising $6,000 to pay for the funeral expenses of 75-year-old Joliet bar owner Freddy Schramm. The longtime owner of the Maneuvers & Company Bar at 118 East Jefferson St. in downtown Joliet died Saturday.

The GoFundMe is called "Paying Tribute to Freddy Schramm."

"It's with a heavy heart we at Maneuvers must announce that Fred Schramm passed away on June 5th," the GoFundMe stated. "He will be greatly missed, and we know he holds a very special place in all our hearts. Not only for 40-plus years did he provide a safe space for the LGBTQ community at Maneuvers, but he also was always there to lend a helping hand by opening up his home to all. He provided food, money, and a place to crash, as well as his friendship when they needed it the most."

According to the GoFundMe, Maneuvers was closed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic and "funds were not available to give him the fitting memorial that he deserves."

Schramm's obituary noted that he moved to Joliet in 1980 and opened Maneuvers in Joliet's downtown. City of Joliet officials told Patch on Wednesday that Schramm is still listed as the holder of the liquor license for Maneuvers.

He was born and raised in Chenoa and also lived in Chicago before making Joliet his home.

Farkas Funeral Home is handling the funeral arrangements. Visitation will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at Farkas, which is located at 3201 W. Jefferson St.

As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, a total of 16 people have donated a total of $1,350 to the Paying Tribute to Freddy Schramm GoFundMe. If you would like to make a contribution, visit the GoFundMe here.