Frederick Gale Hess, 78, of Michigan City, Indiana, passed away on July 22, 2025, at LifeCare Center of Michigan City.
Born on Dec. 1, 1946, to Gale and Frieda Hess in Marion, Indiana, Fred spent most of his life as a resident of La Porte County.
Fred graduated from La Porte High School in 1964 and briefly attended Indiana University. He served his country in the United States Army Reserves from 1967 to 1973 and later joined the La Porte City Police Department, serving approximately seven years in the early to mid-1970s. In 1981, Fred began his career with the La Porte County Sheriff's Office, retiring as a Deputy Sheriff in 2001 after 20 years of service to his community. He was awarded Officer of the Year in 1982 after saving the life of another deputy. His commitment to law enforcement inspired his son, Jon, to follow in his footsteps as a police officer.
Fred loved music and played several different instruments. He proudly served as drum major for the La Porte High School Marching Band. Later, he played trombone and baritone in the La Porte City Band. He was also a talented pianist.
His hobbies included motorcycle riding and scuba diving.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Juli and John Ranschaert of Parrish, Florida; his son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Jenny Hess of Kansas City, Missouri; his brother, Gregory Hess of Bloomington, Indiana; and five grandchildren.
Per Fred's wishes, no services will be held.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Don Hough
July 25, 2025
RIP ole friend, spent many of days at your parents house on Illinois ave in LaPorte, back in the 50/60´s ! Lots of good memories!
Don Hough
Scottsdale, Arizona
Jim owens
July 25, 2025
RIP Fred Good guy knew Fred from Army Reserves never forget the time we were in the field down in Fort Knox and Fred woke up in the morning with a snake in his sleeping bag.
Mike Kellems
July 24, 2025
So very sorry to see Fred pass... he was a good hearted man that served the citizens of La Porte County very well. I learned from Fred lessons that paid off later in my career. My sincere condolences to Fred's family.
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