Frederick Joseph “Fred” Voorde, 84, of Elkhart, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Elkhart General Hospital. He was born in South Bend, Indiana, on April 24, 1941, to the late Albert and Alvera (Bernaert) Voorde.

He was preceded in death by his son, Neal F. Voorde. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sarah (Bicard) Voorde, and his daughter, Paige Voorde. He is also survived by his siblings, Joann Robinson, Therese (John) Gardner, Joyce (Jack) Simper, Marge Voorde, and Don (Marlene) Voorde, along with his sister-in-law, Margaret Schafer, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation was chosen and will take place at Billings Funeral Home in Elkhart. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with a Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1108 S. Main St., Elkhart, IN 46516. A procession to St. Vincent Cemetery for a graveside service, followed by military honors, will take place at approximately 1:00 p.m., with Father Sam Anderson officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church or the Indiana Donor Network. The family would like to thank the caring staff at Elkhart General Hospital for their kindness and compassion.

Fred was a kind man who never met a stranger. He served proudly in the United States Army and worked for many years for Elkhart Community Schools as a teacher, driver’s education instructor, and coach. He was a faithful member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, belonged to the IARA, and the Lions Club of South Daytona. In his retirement, he loved spending time in Ormond Beach, playing cards with friends and family, and watching sports, especially cheering on the Dodgers and Notre Dame. Above all, Fred loved his family immensely and will be greatly missed. In keeping with his faith and lifelong generosity, Fred chose to be an organ donor, and in his final act of charity, he gave the gift of life to others.