Fred Vetere

Fred Joseph Vetere, age 70, of Alma, MI, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 31, 2021, at his home with his wife by his side.

Funeral Services will be held at the First Church of God, Alma, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 4, 2021, with Pastor Erin Taylor officiating.  Visitation will be held 5-8 P.M. on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI.

Fred was born in Alma, Michigan on September 25, 1951, the son of Ralph and Virginia (Cascarelli) Vetere.  He graduated from St. Louis High School with the class of 1969.  He earned a Bachelors' Degree in History from Central Michigan University.

On December 1, 1972, Fred married his high school sweetheart Maria Isabel Ramirez at the St. Louis Church of Nazarene.  They were blessed with nearly 49 years of marriage.  They were members of the First Church of God in Alma for many years.

Fred was an avid follower of the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers and Michigan State athletics.  He will be remembered for smoking a cigar and listening to a baseball game on the radio.  He liked to spend time outdoors watching the river and was an avid walker.  Fred loved his family and faithfully drove all over the Midwest to attend his grandchildren's sporting events.

Fred loved history and traveling. He was a wonderful tour guide, sharing his knowledge with his family and friends wherever they went.  He especially enjoyed archeology and participated in archeology digs in Italy.  Fred worked for Total Petroleum for 21 years until they closed and then worked for Hemlock Semi-Conductor until his retirement in 2010.

Fred is survived by wife Maria, daughter Leah Vetere of Elkhart, IN; grandson Joey Rowan; granddaughter Gia Rowan; and brother Joe (Jan) Vetere of Coloma, MI.  He leaves behind many nieces, nephews and valued friends.  Fred was preceded in death by parents, and mother-in-law Esther Ramirez.

Memorials may be made to Bethany Christian Services, 901 Eastern Ave. NE, PO Box 294, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0294.  Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.