Frederick "Fred" George Ortbals' Obituary
Frederick “Fred” George Ortbals, age 96 of Royal Oak, Michigan passed away on August 31, 2024 at home surrounded by family. He was born on December 25, 1927 in Ferndale, Michigan to Leo and Angeline Ortbals.
Beloved Husband of the late Mary Jean Ortbals (Aug. 3, 2017). They were married for 65 years. Dear Father of Ann (Pat) Franken, Robert (Jill) Ortbal, Donna Ortbals and predeceased by his baby daughter, Sandra Ortbals. Dear Grandfather of Fred, Diane, Denise, Tom, Lindsey, Eric, Tyler, Dylan and predeceased by his grandson, Dan. Great-Grandfather of Ella, Vera, Margot, Willa, Abe, Alex and Henry. Brother of Larry Ortel and predeceased by siblings, Leo Ortbals, Robert Ortbals, Virginia Ortbals, Helen Ortbals, James Ortbals and Thomas Ortel.
Fred loved golfing, fishing, boating, snowmobiling & giving nicknames to all of his nieces & nephews. Known for spending time at the cottage on Wixom Lake, the yearly vacations & enjoying family gatherings with his brothers & sisters.
He served in the U. S. Air Force, and for a short time, the U. S. Army. He worked for ITW as a machinist for 40 years.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 13th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Hopcroft Funeral Home, 31145 John R. Road, (1 block N. of 13 Mile Road, west side of John R. Road), Madison Heights, Michigan. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 14th beginning at 10:30 am (Instate) followed by the 11:00 am Mass at St. Vincent Ferrer Church, 28353 Herbert Street, Madison Heights, Michigan. Burial will be in Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
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