March 8, 1918 – April 13, 2021

Frederick R. Maravilla, age 103, of Hobart, formerly from Lansing, IL, passed away on April 13 at his home. He was born on March 8, 1918 in Guarachita, Mexico to the late Ignacio Maravilla and Margarita Ruiz. Fred immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of 4 and became a naturalized citizen in 1942. He was a WW2 veteran and served with the Army Air Force 450 ^th Bombardier Group (Cottontails) in Southern Italy from 1943-1945. After the war, while raising a family and working full time at Inland Steel, he received a Masters Degree in Languages from the University of Chicago. Fred taught Spanish and English for 27 years in the East Chicago School system and taught Spanish at Purdue Calumet campus.  Fred touched many lives and will be remembered as a father that always stressed the importance of family, an intelligent and respected educator and a man of compassion, understanding and the highest integrity.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 54, the VFW Post 5365, the GI forum, Honor Flight, the Indiana Harbor Old Timers and East Chicago Washington Alumni Association. He was a member of St. Bridget Catholic Church and an honorary 3rd degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He is survived by his wife, Gail Baeza Maravilla; sons, Don (Susie) Maravilla of The Villages, Florida; Rod (Ellen) Maravilla of Hobart; daughters,  Debbie (Jay) Berry of Davie, Florida, Sandra (Alberto) Mesa of Chicago; 13 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sabina Maravilla; daughter Marguerite "Linda" (Jerry) Mauk and one grandson, Douglas Pineda. Visitation for Fred will take place on Monday, April 19, 2021 from 3pm to 8pm with a prayer vigil at 3 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 11a.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church with prayers starting at the funeral home at 10:30 am.

Mass will be available to view live on Rees Funeral Homes Facebook page. Watch Funeral Service Here

He will be laid to rest at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers contributions in Fred's name may be made to VNA Hospice Center.  For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.