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Frederick Hazen Ellis

02/02/1934
08/30/2023

Frederick Hazen Ellis “Fearless Freddy” having lived a happy life of 89 years, went to his eternal home on August 30,2023. He unexpectedly, but peacefully passed in his sleep at home. Fred was born in Grand Rapids, MI, moving to Cascade, MI to raise his family, and enjoyed Canadian Lakes, MI after retirement. He and his wife of 67 years, Diane Ellis, moved to their home in Caledonia, MI five years ago, enjoying being closer to family and a peaceful life for his remaining years.

Fred is survived by his beloved wife, Diane; loving children, Sherri Lynn Noe, and Craig (Sharon) Ellis. He dearly loved his grandchildren, Nick Noe, Dan (Sarah) Noe, and Christopher (Christina) Noe. But, he adored his six great grandchildren; Hazen, Brooklyn and Knox Noe, Jack and Rose Noe, and Willa Noe. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Kury. He dearly loved his little dog, Bege, who spent every minute of the day on his lap. His special friends Michael and Marcie Kusto. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hazen and Nellie Ellis and brother-in-law, William Kury.

Fred had a successful career as a food broker, working at Clark Food Brokers. His creativity won him many awards and trips and ended his career as Vice-President of Sales. He was a coach/player for the GR Peddlers slow pitch softball team until age 50. After retirement at 60, he loved to play golf and spend time boating at Canadian Lakes. He loved playing cards with friends and family and was a great winner and not so great loser. They loved to travel to many places in the US and Mexico.

He loved Elvis and listened to his music for hours. Fred’s biggest passion was being an avid Michigan Wolverines fan! When Michigan was on tv, he was on the couch watching. He even has a full-size Michigan Christmas tree up each year! He was best known for his tremendous hugs he gave to friends and family.

A Celebration of Life will take place in Fred’s honor, on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at O’Brien-Gerst Funeral Home at 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI. Visitation will take place from 1:00-2:00 followed by sharing/eulogy led by Reverend Mary Spalding. A time to gather and celebrate together will follow with desserts.

Memorial contributions will be accepted in Fred’s honor, helping provide low income families to receive winter apparel in GRPS (Fred graduated from Creston).  Donations are made payable to Grand Rapids Public Schools and mailed/dropped off to Fifth Third Bank, Attn: Joshua Andree, 4460 Cascade Road SE, GR, MI  49546. Or, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Fred lived a wonderful life, surrounded by family and friends, that brought him happy memories filled with love, joy and laughter.

Make a Contribution

Memorial Contributions:

Accepted in Fred’s honor, helping provide low income families to receive winter apparel in GRPS

Donations can be made payable to: Grand Rapids Public Schools

C/O Fifth Third Bank, Attn: Joshua Andree, 4460 Cascade Road SE, GR, MI  49546

Or

St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital

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7 Responses

  1. Sherri and family so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Our thoughts are with you all
    Friday night sitting here watching Central playing MSU and thinking about the boys
    John brings in this news and can only think of all the good times as neighbors we had. Miss you ALL Give our love to your mother and brothers family
    😢🙏

  2. Miss our card partner, he always wanted to win, and usually did! Plus our trip to the TVA on the house boat. See you all soon!

  3. Sorry for your loss, Sherri, he will be watching Michigan football from heaven

  4. Fred with his big smile, friendly wave and always something to say will be greatly missed. We loved the leg lamp in the window every Christmas. He had the best sense of humor. Well done faithful servant. Our deepest sympathy Diane and family. Bill and Cheryl Brown

  5. Diane- so sorry to hear about Freddy. I didn’t know him well but Mom and Dad adored him and were so thankful for what he did for John. He was always called Freddy in our house.! I remember him as a warm person who always had a hug for me. He will be missed.

  6. Dearest Sherri and family, we are so very sorry for your loss, keeping you all in our thoughts and prayer’s. Love the Liefbroer family

  7. Dear Sherri and family, we are so very sorry for your loss keeping you and yours in our thoughts and prayers! Love the Liefbroer’s

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Make a Contribution

Memorial Contributions:

Accepted in Fred’s honor, helping provide low income families to receive winter apparel in GRPS

Donations can be made payable to: Grand Rapids Public Schools

C/O Fifth Third Bank, Attn: Joshua Andree, 4460 Cascade Road SE, GR, MI  49546

Or

St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital