Frederick James Herzfeldt Sr., 91, of Chicago, passed away while surrounded by his loving family on September 8, 2026. Born on December 5, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, to Herbert and Ann Herzfeldt, Fred devoted his life to the people he loved most—his family.
He was the beloved husband of Veronica “Janice” (nee Barron) and a loving father to Patrick Herzfeldt, Anita (Johnnie) Salazar, Frederick J. (JoAn) Herzfeldt Jr., and Katherine (Matthew) Varsolona. To his grandchildren, he was their devoted Papa: Maeva (Roland) Paguirigan, Elise (Daisy Gutierrez) Salazar, Ashley (Toby) Martin, Austin Herzfeldt, Matthew Varsolona, Serina Varsolona, and Sophia Varsolona. His joy continued through his great-grandchildren, Nicholas “Nicky” Ruiz, Amina Paguirigan, Amaya Paguirigan, and Esmeray Martin.
Fred came from a large family and remained connected to those he loved throughout his life. He is survived by his sister, Marlene Lavryk, and was preceded in death by his siblings Herb, Hank, Mary, Margaret, Norrine, Bertha, and Delores. He was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews and will be deeply missed by the family and friends who knew and loved him.
Fred was a retired truck driver who spent many years working for the Chicago Tribune before eventually retiring from MaryAnne Bakery. He was a hardworking and dependable man who could always be counted on to lend a helping hand. Whether someone needed help building something, fixing something, figuring something out, or simply needed someone to show up, Fred was there.
He loved building things and spending time at the “farm,” where he could stay busy and enjoy the simple things in life. He was an active and devoted grandparent who treasured his time with his grandchildren and took great pride in being their Papa.
Fred was a man of few words, but many opinions. His humor was quiet, innocent, and dry, often catching you off guard and making you laugh when you least expected it. He loved watching Judge Judy and western movies.
Above all, Fred loved his wife, Janice. Their life together was built on love, loyalty, and a bond that lasted through the many seasons of life. He stood by her, supported her, and was always in her corner. Their love was a beautiful and lasting part of Fred’s life. Every morning, the two of them would sit down for two games of rummy. Card games may not have been Fred’s favorite pastime, but he played because he knew how much Janice enjoyed it. Those two morning games became a little tradition between them and another quiet expression of the love and devotion he had for his wife.
Fred was a determined man who never let age get in his way. Even at 91 years old, he insisted on riding his bike to get Chinese food—a perfect example of the independent, strong-willed, and spirited man he was.
Fred will be remembered for his strength, dependability, quiet humor, willingness to help others, devotion to his family, and the deep love he had for his wife. His presence will be deeply missed, but the memories he created with those who loved him will live on.
Visitation Saturday September 26, 2026 from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. at Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home & Cremation Services 4920 Main St., Downers Grove with Funeral Services to follow at 12 P.M. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery Info 630-852-8000 or westsuburbanfh.com