Frederick Michael "Fred" Forte

He was born on March 11, 1954 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Anthony Victor Forte and Ruth Doreen (Covert) Forte Heinzelman. The fourth of five children, Fred grew up surrounded by love. He had a passion for the outdoors, with hunting, fishing, and golfing at the forefront of his hobbies. He was a dedicated father and grandfather, never missing any event. The lake was his favorite place on earth and he worked tirelessly to provide a home where all were welcome and his family could enjoy a little slice of paradise with him. Fred had a distinctive character, and once you knew him, he was not someone to forget. He was generous, compassionate and loving, leaving those who knew him all the better for it.

Fred graduated from Bishop Dwenger High School (Fort Wayne) in 1972 and was a 1976 graduate of the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. He loved IU basketball and was especially proud of the fact that he graduated the year that the team was undefeated and won the national championship.

Fred was an owner of a Steamatic franchise for 32 years, retiring in 2016. He was a co-owner of Snow Lake Storage when he passed away.

An active member of St. Anthony Padua Catholic Church, Fred served as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus for three years.

Survivors include his loving wife of 27 years, Susan Forte of Snow Lake, Fremont, Indiana; daughters, Katie (Joe) Werkema, Natalie (Christian Peters) Knisely, Karli Forte, Savannah Rassi; and his three grandchildren whom he adored (Harper, Jalil, and Jamal). He is also survived by his brothers Richard (Mary) Forte and Joe (Connie) Forte; and sister Teresa (Tom) Reithmiller, as well as many other extended family members.

He was also preceded in death by his stepfather, Arthur W. Heinzelman, his brother John Forte, and granddaughter Quinn Judith.

Visitation will be held at Beams Funeral Home, Fremont, Indiana, on Friday, March 7, 2025 from 5pm until 7pm.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Angola, Indiana, with visitation at 10am followed by mass at 11am. Father Raul Marroquin will officiate the mass.

In lieu in flowers memorial donations in his memory may be directed to Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF, P.O. Box 5042, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741-5042. https://jdrf.org . Or to the family.