Fred Vermeersch

Fred Vermeersch, 88, born on Oct. 18, 1937, passed away with his wife Kay of 64 years of marriage and great grand nephew, at his bedside on Oct. 24, 2025.

Fred’s life was a masterpiece of personal growth, for the glory of God and his love for Kay, family, close friends, community, students, coworkers, farming and horses. Fred’s accomplishments during his life was first and foremost for Gods glory. As a teacher, Fred was proud of his students. As they grew older, they were part of his life, along with coworkers, and all he met from coast to coast. He would tell all he knew about their accomplishments; he was proud of the impacts they had in their communities.

Fred learned hard work from his dad (a self taught engineer) and family at an early age. Born in Detroit, Fred spent time at their cabin on Elk Lake, and worked for his dad when he opened a shop in Elk Rapids, building and installing septic tanks in the area. Fred graduated from Michigan State University. He married Kay White of Kewadin, and they purchased land outside of Central Lake, starting with cattle. Both were teachers in Bellaire and both worked the farm. Their marriage was not just one of love but a partnership that they eventually built to become one of the largest cherry producers in the area. 

Although their work ethic was unmatched working day and night, they also knew the importance of building community. Fred went from teaching to a vice president of (a bank), helping in building the communities economic growth. Fred was elected to the board at Great Lakes Energy, eventually becoming the president of the board. He was also a member of the board at Wolverine power. Serving in the national guard, he was a member of the VFW in Central Lake.

Left to cherish his legacy is his wife Kay, sister Katherine E. Vermeersch, sisters in-law Margaret A. Mower, Jane M. Howard, and the many very special nieces and nephews that shared their lives with Fred and Kay.  He was preceded in death by his siblings MaryAnne Modjeska Hallen, Johanne P. Lassaline, Margaret W. Ruggles, brother in law Thomas F. White and sister in law Virginia G. White.  

In summing up Fred’s life, He was an innovator, had a love for the land and the environment, mentor to many, builder of the community, leader, and most of all a believer and encourager of all around him. He was a great story teller that brought out the best in people showing enormous wisdom, courage and a strength unmatched in today’s world. Many stories will be told of Fred Vermeersch.

Fred and Kay were instrumental in the beginning of the NW Horticulture program. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to https://nwmihort.org/ or to Team Joseph in Defeating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy https://share.google/LnyoiBhio4FN5cpcp

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.