Obituary of Fred Voss

Fred Elmer Voss was born September 27, 1927 at the Petersburg family farm. He was the son of the late George and Pearl (Deitner) Voss. At the age of 14, Fred's father passed away. Fred became the man of the house and immediately took over the family business. Farming was a way of life and Fred wasn't afraid of a little hard work. Fred met Frances Lee and they were joined together in marriage on June 4, 1947 at the Free Methodist Parsonage in Petersburg. He worked in maintenance for the Frenchtown Square Mall. He was a devoted member of the Petersburg Lower Light Mission, and could often be found at worship services. Fred drove Allis Chalmers He was a fighter not depending on anyone. In 1990 Fred suffered a massive stroke. This stroke was a life altering event. They moved to Mable Kehres Apartments in 1993. Fred soon found a new pastime and made many new friends around the lobby pool table.Fred and Frances raised a large family including their children: Judy (Paul) Shelton of East Terra Haute, Indiana; Joyce Downing of Cincinnati, Ohio; Marilyn (Larry) Merkle of Monroe, David (Sally) Voss of Petersburg, Kathy (Dale) Stringham of Monroe, Richard Patterson of Vero Beach, Florida, Joyce Ann Smith of Monroe, Jon (Cathy) Voss of Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and Don (Darlene) Voss of South Carolina, and numerous foster children. These children provided Fred and Frances the joy of seventeen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Fred E. Voss, age 82 of Monroe was called Home at 8:48am, Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at Mercy Nursing Center. His passing was preceded by parents; sisters: Lulu Jenne and Lucille McDonnell; and a brother-in-law: Emerson Bolster. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm, Thursday, June 18, 2009 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Praise Service will be held at 6:30pm under the direction of his son the Rev. David Voss. He will lie in state from 11:00am until a Celebration of His Life at 12:00pm, Friday, June 19, 2009 at the Petersburg Lower Light Church on Elm Street at the corner of Forest in Petersburg. The Rev. Paul Shelton his son-in-law will officiate. Procession will follow to Pleasant View Cemetery for burial. Memorial donations in Fred's honor may be made to the Building Fund at Petersburg Lower Light Mission. Online words of inspiration and comfort may be made by visiting www.merklefuneralservice.com and then selecting the Life Stories page.