Fredric Marvin Veldhuis, 78, of Traverse City and formerly of Prescott, Arizona and East Tawas, Michigan, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease on Friday, November 15, 2024.

Fred was born on October 11, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Harry and Mae (van Hartesveldt) Veldhuis. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance.

Following college, Fred began his career as a teacher in the Detroit area and later became a firefighter at Wurtsmith Air Force Base (AFB) in Oscoda, Michigan. Fred then dedicated his career to working in the financial departments at military bases across the globe, first at Wurtsmith AFB and later at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Howard AFB in Panama City, Panama, and Aviano AFB in Italy, with the majority of his career spent in Michigan at Wurtsmith. His profession offered him the chance to travel extensively, and he cherished the opportunity to explore diverse cultures and ways of life.

Beyond his career, Fred had a passion for collecting coins, birdwatching, and rooting on the Detroit Lions (through good times and bad).

Fred is survived by his son, John, and his sisters, Vivian (Richard) LaMorte and Doris Veldhuis.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his two previous wives, Diane Paschke and Vicki Craig.

Fred will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his dedication to his work, and his appreciation for the beauty of the world around him.

A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Fred's memory may be made to a Parkinson's research foundation or a birdwatching conservation organization of your choice. Kindly share thoughts and memories with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .