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Frederick Maravilla Obituary
Frederick R. Maravilla
Mar. 18, 1918 - Apr. 13, 2021
HOBART, IN - Frederick R. Maravilla, age 103, of Hobart, formerly from Lansing, IL, passed away on April 13, 2021 at his home. He was born on March 8, 1918 in Guarachita, Mexico to the late Ignacio Maravilla and Margarita Ruiz.
Fred immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of four and became a naturalized citizen in 1942. He was a WWII Veteran and served with the Army Air Force 450th Bombardier Group (Cottontails) in Southern Italy from 1943-1945. After the war, while raising a family and working full time at Inland Steel, he received a Masters Degree in Languages from the University of Chicago. Fred taught Spanish and English for 27 years in the East Chicago School system and taught Spanish at Purdue Calumet Campus. Fred touched many lives and will be remembered as a father that always stressed the importance of family, an intelligent and respected educator and a man of compassion, understanding and the highest integrity.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 54, the VFW Post 5365, the GI Forum, Honor Flight, the Indiana Harbor Old Timers and East Chicago Washington Alumni Association. He was a member of St. Bridget Catholic Church and an honorary 3rd Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his wife, Gail (Baeza) Maravilla; sons: Don (Susie) Maravilla of The Villages, FL; Rod (Ellen) Maravilla of Hobart; daughters: Debbie (Jay) Berry of Davie, FL, Sandra (Alberto) Mesa of Chicago; 13 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sabina Maravilla; daughter Marguerite "Linda" (Jerry) Mauk; and one grandson, Douglas Pineda. Visitation for Fred will take place on Monday, April 19, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at REES FUNERAL HOME, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart, 46342. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church with prayers starting at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers contributions in Fred's name may be made to VNA Hospice Center. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Maravilla
David Christian
April 10, 2022
Mr. Maravilla was my Spanish teacher for two years at Thornton Fractional (TF) High School in Calumet City IL during the 1950s, and my family's neighbor for several years in Lansing, IL.
He was an excellent teacher, a good man, and a good neighbor. I still remember things he taught me about the Spanish language and the rich cultures of Mexico. In honor of him, I am still studying Spanish, and putting it to use assisting Spanish-speaking immigrants who have arrived recently in my region of the Washington-DC area.
His family can be deservedly proud of his contributions to his students and to this country.
David Christian TFHS Class of 1956
Bruce and Juanita Ross
April 19, 2021
Our condolences to the Maravilla family. We are former neighbors in Lansing. It is always sad to lose a parent. May the good memories you have outweigh your sorrow.
Bruce and Juanita Ross
Nancy Ruiz
April 18, 2021
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Maravilla Family. My father Francisco Ruiz (first cousin to Uncle Frederick R.I.P.) and Family Ruiz Gudiño send our heart felt condolences. We all had the privilege of meeting Tio Fede; and remember his outgoing and enthusiastic energy.
May he Rest In Peace.
Nancy Ruiz
Virginia Maravilla
April 18, 2021
Freddie was the treasure of his family, loved and respected by so many. He left this earth a better place than he found it.
Juanita Salaz
April 18, 2021
My deepest sympathy to the family of my compare Freddy. My love ard prayers are with all of your family. God Bless you all. Love Juanita Salaz
Ron and Sandy Rice
April 17, 2021
It was such a pleasure to meet Fred when he came to Virginia with Gail. He was a truly amazing person. May God be with and comfort you Gail and his family.
Dave Bouska
April 17, 2021
Frederick was a good Spanish teacher and a good man.
St. Ignatius. Class of 1955.
Paula and Michael Patrick
April 17, 2021
Senor Marravilla was a great teacher we enjoyed having in class. What a great life he had.
Don Wilczynski Jr.
April 16, 2021
Uncle Fred will always be remembered as a man of integrity, grace and humility. He accomplished so much in his life, positively impacting all he touched. God graced Uncle Fred with the gift of service to his family, community and country.
I am blessed to have enjoyed time and personal experiences with him whether at a dinner table, conversation on the porch, or playing a round of golf. God bless and will treasure the stories you shared.
Connie Verduzco
April 16, 2021
Sincere condolences to the Maravilla family. Coincidentally, Freddie (as my mother called him) passed the same day my Aunt Magdeline Arcos Nunez passed, also at 103. God bless you as you lay him to rest.
Mi Mi Carrillo
April 16, 2021
My condolences to the Maravilla family. Mr. Maravilla was the best and nicest teacher Washington High School ever had. May he rest in His arms in Eternal Peace.
Pete Stenberg
April 16, 2021
I met Fred through Honor Flight Chicago. He was such a kind man and was a pleasure to be with. I was able to spend the whole day with Fred honoring him as a veteran. Since that day I became a friend with him and Gail. Whenever there was an Honor Flight event, I would invite Fred and Gail. They always would attend if they were in town. Fred liked to go to Florida when the weather turned cool. Fred invited us to visit them in Florida, however we never were able to do it. I did have the honor of photographing his wedding to Gail and to photograph his 100th birthday party. More people need to be like Fred. His love and kindness could change people. May God bles him and his family.
Paula & René Vela
April 16, 2021
Condolences to the Maravilla Family. We have lost an incredible and gifted man. I´m sure that you have so many wonderful memories to celebrate Fred´s Life. May he RIP...God Bless.
Laura Corpus
April 16, 2021
Mr. Maravilla was a beautiful person and a true gentleman. My condolences to his family. May his memory be eternal.
Rosemary Martínez
April 15, 2021
Deepest heartfelt condolences and prayers Great man RIH
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3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel - Hobart600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart, IN 46342
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