Fred West

Fred West was born on March 6th, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan to Frederick and Dorothy (Bilton) West. The oldest of five children, his birth brought much joy..

Fred lived a typical childhood in the 1940s. He was active in Boy Scouts . He met the love of his life, Joyce Kickhoefel during his time at Grosse Pointe High School. They were high school sweethearts and later joined in marriage on May 26, 1962. After graduation, Fred work as as a pattern maker at Peerless Pattern a family-owned business. Together, he and Joyce raised five wonderful children, all born within seven years.

As a dad, he was strict yet loving. He wanted the best for his children and worked to provide for them. Family vacations were spent traveling in the family motorhome. They visited many of the KOA campgrounds on their trips to Niagara Falls, Disney World, and Cedar Point.

Sadly, in the 1970s, the automotive industry suffered from the recession. As a result, Peerless sold. Fred took up work as a broker with a real estate agency. Anyone who knew him trusted his service and his professionalism. A black and white person, they knew where he stood on a wide variety of topics.

Fred enjoyed many pastimes throughout his life. When he was younger he loved playing golf. A bigger part of his life was bowling as he enjoyed bowling in several leagues with the Detroit Athletic Club. He and Joyce both enjoyed sharing many Michigan winters in the local alleys enjoying socializing with other bowlers. When it came to sports, he was a diehard fan of his home team, the Detroit Lions. He enjoyed season tickets for many years and loved to tailgate with family and friends. When he wasn’t watching sports on television, Fred loved sitcoms. He watched several programs but his favorites were the Big Bang Theory and older M*A*S*H reruns. He and Joyce spent their holidays with their families often taking turns with members on each side of the state once their daughters had moved to West Michigan.

Sadly, Joyce passed in 2008 and Fred remained at home until he later started showing early signs of confusion related to Alzheimer’s. A few years ago, he moved to Grand Rapids to receive help from family. His special friends and family will always remember him for his candor and stubbornness. May he rest in peace and may their fondest memories of him warm their hearts whenever they are gathered together for generations to come.

Frederick “Fred” Raymond West, age 80, of Grand Rapids and formerly of Grosse Pointe, MI, passed away April 24, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; his daughter, Jennifer Hermann; and his brother, Douglas West. Fred is survived by his children Fred West; Beverly West, Kathy West-Huizenga, Bill (Allyson) West; son-in-law Paul Hermann; grandchildren Jessica (Jayson), Amanda (Mike) Danielle, Sean (Lizzy), Robbie, Kylee, Jonathan, David (Crystal), Samantha (Jamie), Joseph, Adam (Shela) Kali; Brothers Jim (Joyce), Tom (Kay), Sister Peg Pund, and 17 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews .

Friends are invited to visit with his family on May 14, 2022 from 12-3 at Rose Bowl Lanes, 28001 Groesbeck Hwy in Roseville, Michigan. For those who wish, contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association are appreciated. To share a memory or sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com