- Date Of Birth: August 18, 1937
- Date Of Death: November 7, 2015
- State: Michigan
Fred Sitkins, 78, Passed away Saturday, November 7, 2015 at Bronson Hospital, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Fred was born in Hamtramck, MI on August 18, 1937 to Zike and Olga Sitkins, who both preceded him in death. He also was preceded in death by his younger brother Jack. Fred grew up in Wyandotte, MI and Kelleys Island , Ohio. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte in 1955 and then took off for the wild west, Western Michigan University (then known as Western Normal).
He pledged Sigma Phi Epsilon, meet hundreds of people who are still his friends and graduated in 1959. He taught school at Schafer HS in Southgate, Fordson HS in Dearborn and Lincoln Park HS in Lincoln Park, and Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn. He then owned and operated a manufacturing business in Wyandotte and Detroit. In 1978 he married Chris Niemcek, the love of his life. In 1979 he and Chris and family again headed back to Western Michigan University to take a temporary 2 year teaching position in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He was so honored to be a part of the great institution that is Western Michigan University.
He went on to become a full Professor in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Director of Co-operative Education at the college, Sunseeker advisor and friend to faculty and staff and mentor to his beloved students. He was also deeply involved with Western Athletics, serving as Chair of the Athletic Board and Faculty Representative to all of Western Athletic conferences, nationwide. He cheered his Broncos on at as many events as he could possibly attend. He retired at the end of August 2015, but continued teaching one of his favorite classes this semester. Fred was a member of Zion Lutheran where he served as a member of the Property Ministry Team and Solid Grounds Campus Ministry.
Fred is survived by his loving wife of over 37 years, Chris and by seven children: Jodi, Juli(Bob), Sean(Melony), Amy, Fred Jr.(Lisa), Lee(Molli) and Dan. He also leaves behind his wonderful and loved grandchildren: Josh, Abby, Zachary, Nathan, Kyle, Elliott, John, Emma, Bryce, Wyatt, Hayden, Sawyer, Sylas, Tori and Reece. And three great children, Adelyn, Daniel and Willow. He is also survived by his baby brother Roger(Stephanie) and several nieces and nephews. All who knew Fred loved him. His love of God and family, his humor and many, many stories, his love of his many friends and his passion for life will always be in our hearts. Chris and Fred’s entire family want to offer our heartfelt thanks to the CSU medical and support staff at Bronson Hospital for the loving care over the past month. Cremation has taken place. Please gather with Fred’s family and friends at Zion Lutheran Church, 2122 Bronson Blvd on Thursday, November 12 from 2-4pm.
