Frederick Bernard HUESMAN

Deceased Name: Fred B. Huesman, Former Owner of Desmond's, Dies Fred B. Huesman, former owner of the now d efunct Desmond's clothing store chain which was founded near Los Angeles' historic Olvera Street in 1862, has died. He wa s 79. Huesman died Wednesday during open heart surgery at St . Vincent's Medical Center. A native of Glendale, Huesman jo ined Desmond's five years after his uncle, Ralph R. Huesman, purchased it from Desmond family heirs in 1921. He succeeded his uncle as president in 1944 and continued in that positio n until 1973, when he took the title of chairman. Huesmanret ired in 1978, and the chain, which had become a part of theN ew York-based Cluett, Peabody &, went out of businessin 1981. At its peak, the chain had 19 stores throughout Southe rn California. It began as a hat shop founded by Daniel Desm ond and grew into a major apparel retailer selling men's, wo men's and boys' specialty clothing. Shortly after the chain' s centennial, Huesman streamlined Desmond's merchandising,re designing the stores to make items traditionally storedingla ss showcases more accessible to customers. Retailers,he said , had an obligation to make shopping pleasant as well asto s upply merchandise. Huesman is survived by two daughters, Joa n Madden and Marianne Huesman, and one son, RalphF.Huesman, and eight grandchildren. His brother, Father John E. Huesman , will say the funeral Mass at 7 p.m. Sunday inChrist the Ki ng Church, 624 N. Rossmore Ave. Interment willbe at 11 a.m. Monday in Calvary Cemetery., The family has asked that any m emorial contributions be made to the Fred B. Huesman Scholar ship Fund at Loyola High School, from which Huesman wasgradu ated. Contributions can be addressed to the president's offi ce at the school, 1901 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles 90006.

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