Frederick Lee VanFossen

Frederick Lee VanFossen, 86, of Fort Wayne passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026. Born in Bryan, Ohio, on May 25, 1940, he was the son of the late Abner and Lenore VanFossen. Fred graduated from South Side High School in Fort Wayne in 1958 and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Purdue University, beginning his lifelong passion for Purdue sports. Fred successfully worked at International Harvester, now International Motors, for nearly 35 years, was awarded a US patent and retired in 1997.

Fred had an insatiable curiosity about the world around him and a genuine love of learning that he delighted in sharing with others. A true conversationalist, there was no subject he couldn’t talk about and no person he couldn’t find a way to connect with. He was a voracious reader, especially of nonfiction, fascinated by how things worked and why. Toward the end of his life when reading became more difficult he still managed to find joy in books, by sharing much of his collection with friends. A self-declared “Stuff Guy”, Fred leaves behind an eclectic and fascinating assortment of belongings like crystals, vintage drafting kits, and a book about almost any topic one could imagine. He was fascinated by everything from the genius of Leonardo da Vinci and the art of bookbinding to the intricate workings of watches, clocks, and cameras. In fact, many who knew him will remember him with a Nikon camera around his neck using his gift of photography to savor and preserve the extraordinary beauty he found in ordinary moments.

But perhaps the best expression of Fred’s curiosity was the way he shared it with the people he loved. For his grandchildren, he took them on nature walks imparting bits of Fort Wayne history and lovingly curated “treasure boxes” filled with unique, interesting, and shiny little trinkets specially chosen to spark wonder, invite questions, and perhaps pass along a little of Grandpa’s own curiosity about the world.

In the last several years of his life, Fred renewed and deepened his relationship with his faith. His thoughtful, searching nature found a home there as well, and he often repeated a favorite mantra that seemed to capture both his intellect and his spirit: “Contemplate, cogitate, meditate, pray.” It was fitting for a man who spent his life thinking deeply, looking closely, asking questions, and continuing to seek meaning in the world and in the people he loved. Fred also loved traveling with his late wife, Judy, of 57 years, and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Fred is survived by his three sons, Don, Richard (Emily), and Dave (Phil); grandchildren, Abby, Tori, Freddy and Helen; and his sister, Susan Doughman. Fred was also preceded in death by his brother, Allen. A celebration of life for Fred will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, 6424 Winchester Road Fort Wayne, Indiana 46819, with visitation beginning at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Our Treasure Fellowship, 1825 Getz Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804.