He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, always making time for any in his family that needed love, calm words of wisdom and perspective, or just a helping hand. It was normal to find Fred repairing a lawnmower for a family member, taking a grandchild to the symphony, putting a new battery in a car, or babysitting in a pinch. "Too tired" wasn't in his vocabulary.
Fred was born and raised in Moberly, MO where he met his wife after attending St. Henry's Catholic Seminary High School in Belleville, IL. While ultimately choosing a career outside the priesthood, his Catholic faith was always his north star. His work career included over 43 years as a locomotive engineer for the Norfolk Southern Railroad in Kansas City, however his passion was being a lifelong learner, regularly checking out stacks of books of all subjects from his local Mid-Continent Public Library, as though college professor may have been a more fitting career.
Fred loved to laugh and listen to great music. He would DVR great performances on TV to share with family or write down a funny joke so he could remember it for friends.
Later in life, he was called once again to be a parent when his daughter, Tammy Moulder, passed of colon cancer at the age of 42, and left behind three children.
Most importantly, he lived with kindness and generosity in his heart, always seeing the best in people.
Fred is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughter, Rhonda Vandel and her husband John, and granddaughters Emily and Olivia; son, Chris Massman and his wife Erica, and granddaughter Caroline; grandchildren, Ryan, Lauren, and Dylan from deceased daughter Tammy Moulder; and two great-grandchildren, Morgan and Raelynn.
A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the St. James Catholic Church 309 S Stewart Rd, Liberty, MO 64068. Immediately preceding the service will be a visitation at 10:00 am.
