Frederick Lee Persch Sr

Frederick Lee Persch Sr., age 74, of Dyer, IN went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, November 14, 2015. He was the husband of the late Dorothy Anne Persch nee Van Drunen. Fred was born on March 19, 1941 to Christoph and Kathryn Persch of Lansing, IL. Fred is survived by his three children: Frederick Jr. (Heather) Persch of Hudsonville, MI, Robert (Angelia) Persch of Jacksonville, AL and Kathryn (Jason) Forster of Channahon, IL; seven grandchildren: Cole, Audrey and Marley Persch, Alan (Trista) Waid, Alex, Miles and Paige Forster; one great-grandchild Garron Waid. Fred is also survived by his sister Ida (Allen) Cooper of Crown Point, IN and brother Christoph (Eileen) Persch of Beecher, IL, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Miretta (Arnold "Tib") Schultz and his parents Christoph and Kathryn Persch. Fred was a graduate of Thornton Fractional South High School in Lansing, IL. He was a proud US Army veteran, having served in Vietnam for two years. Fred was employed at Gibson Chevrolet in South Holland for 34 years. After retirement, he worked as an airport transport driver for Applied Systems of University Park for five years. He was also a member of the Crete Township F-Men for many years, an organization of volunteer sheriff''s deputies. Fred was a long time member of the LGB train club; his beautiful outdoor train layout was enjoyed by many visitors. Visitation Sunday, November 22, 2015 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Crete Church 24755 S. Country Lane Crete, IL (across from Walt''s on Exchange Road). The funeral will follow immediately at 6:00 p.m. with Rev. Mark Prestriedge officiating. Private Interment will be held Monday, November 23, 2015 at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery - Elwood, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of the Calumet Area, 600 Superior Ave. Munster, IN 46321. Arrangements entrusted to Smits Funeral Home - Dyer, IN. For further information please contact 219-322-7300.