Fred Loetz, 78

Fred Nelson Loetz, age 78, of Sturgis, passed away Friday evening, Sept. 29, 2017, at his home.
He was born May 18, 1939, in Sturgis, a son of the late Henry and Laura (Beebe) Loetz.
Fred was a lifelong resident of Sturgis. He was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1958 and furthered his education at Ferris State College in Big Rapids.
On Sept. 7, 1963, he married Darlene Gottschalk in Sturgis.
Fred retired from Ruud Industries in Sturgis following more than 20 years of dedicated service in the cost and sales department. Prior to joining Ruud, he had been employed by Formed Tubes Inc., Sportsarama, Harvey Paper Company and Sturgis Supply Company, all in Sturgis.
Fred had a genuine appreciation and passion for hunting and fishing. He had traveled extensively to hunt and fish, including fishing trips to Canada, where he also hunted moose, Colorado big-game hunts and for several years he guided hunts in Montana for mule deer and antelope.
He is survived by his wife, Darlene; a daughter, Tammie (Eric) Thurston of Sturgis; a son, Todd Loetz of Sturgis; three grandchildren, Michael Pridgeon, Ashlee Hambright and Brittney Loetz; and four great-grandchildren, Emily, Myrcedes, MaKenna and Jacob “LeRoy”.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family memorial celebration service will be held at a later date.
The Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Fred’s memory consider the American Heart Association , 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674; or American Cancer Society , 1400 W. Milham Ave., Portage, MI 49024.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.