Fredrick A. Roach, age 90, passed away at his home in Portage, IN, on February 4, 2025, surrounded by family. Fred was born on August 02, 1934, in Iron Mountain, MI. He was one of 5 children born to Alfred and Evelyn Roach. He attended Hobart High School where he was a standout cross country runner earning a 3rd place finish at the state championship his junior year. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. After discharge, he followed his Army buddy, Gene Roll, to North Dakota, where he met the love of his life, Valeria Roll, and they were married on November 17, 1956. They settled in Portage, where they raised four daughters and one son. Fred and Val's marriage lasted 68 years. Fred worked for 36 years as a machinist at US Steel Gary Works. He was a dedicated worker and a proud father. Over the years he enjoyed, golf, bowling, hunting, and fishing. He was loyal fan of the Chicago White Sox and Indiana Hoosiers, engaging in a friendly rivalry with his Purdue graduate daughters. He had a great sense of humor and was always armed with an abundance of jokes, although many were as old as he was and told many times over. He will be remembered for adding levity and joy to our world.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Valeria (nee Roll); daughters Beth (Jim) Franzen, Julie (George) Fonseca, Lisa (Dan)Knoll, and Amy (Ed Cosgrove) Roach; and by his son Danial (Julie Eisele) Roach. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren; He was also blessed with 24 great grandchildren, and another who will arrive soon. He is also survived by many extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Evelyn Roach; Infant brother, Alan Jon Roach; brother, Robert Roach; and sisters, Patricia Mariacher, Rosalie Coffman. In lieu of flowers, a donation
can be made to The American Cancer Society.
A funeral service for Fred will take place Monday, February 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage. Visitation will be held Sunday, February 9, 2025, from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at McCool Cemetery. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com