Fred Firme

Fred Firme was born January 26, 1941, in Gary Indiana, to Amos and Alma Firme. Fred was one of 7 children (Gene, Doris, Ruth, Carole, Carla, and Elaine). Fred's sister Carole's best friend was Sharon Kay Barnett, and through this friendship, Fred and Kay's love story began. They started going steady on August 27, 1959. On June 1, 1963, Fred and Kay married in St. Joseph, Michigan. Together, they supported one another through their educational endeavors; Fred graduated with a degree in engineering from TriState College. Fred worked for many years as a Chemical Engineer with Pre Finished Metals and Duo Fast, before pursuing his entrepreneurial passion and establishing Discovery Enterprises, a residential and commercial painting business. Fred and Kay have 4 children; Matthew (Mary) Firme, Jonathan (Jean) Firme, Melissa Juhnke & Meghan (Robert) Cook. They also have 15 grandchildren. Fred adored each of his grandchildren, his many nieces and nephews, and many other children who entered his life. Nothing made Fred happier than being able to rock a baby to sleep, when no one else could. Fred also enjoyed watching sports, especially basketball and golf. He also loved watching old mysteries, and even tolerated Kay watching Elvis and Eagles concerts on the highest volume possible.  To know Fred was to know his jokes. Fred was the original "dad joke" teller, and also threw in his dirty jokes - if you were lucky enough to hear them.  Fred was a man of honor, a man who put his family above all else, a man who could not stand to see someone in pain or distress without offering some way (any way) to help them. He was the most selfless man you could find, especially when it came to his family, but he would also never hesitate to help a stranger. He loved the beach, and he and Kay visited the beach even in the winters, just to see the water and hear the waves crashing on the shore. Above all else, Fred loved Kay. He dedicated his whole life to caring for her and trying to make life better for her. Their love was an inspiration to many, and will last for eternity.  Fred's sense of humor, ability to recall every grandchild's birthday off the top of his head, strong sense of ethics and empathy will be missed by all who were lucky enough to meet him.  Per Fred’s longstanding wishes, there will be no services at this time. The family will have a small celebration of life in the future. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to: Echo Hospice of Indiana  9008 Cline Avenue, Unit 7 Highland, IN 46322 Cards and condolences can be sent to Stateline Cremations, who is assisting the family, 712 Windsor Road, Loves Park, Illinois 61111, where they will be forwarded to his wife, Kay.