Published on November 14, 2025 6:23 am
Last Updated on November 14, 2025 9:46 am
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Jeffrey William Fred, 65, of Effingham, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at Christ’s Church, 2511 S. Veterans Drive, Effingham, Illinois with burial in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Effingham. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday prior to the service at the church. A celebration of life luncheon will follow the services from 1:00-4:00pm at the Effingham Event Space, 1707 Avenue of Mid America, Effingham. Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Memorials may be made to his family to help cover medical expenses. Donations may be given through Jeff Fred’s GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/8265e37a2. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Jeffrey was born on September 16, 1960, in Kankakee, Illinois, the son of Charles “Chuck” Eugene Fred and Betty Lou (Kempen) Fred. He married Brenda Suzanne (Foster) Fred on May 19, 1995.
Drums and music had been his passion since the age of 14. Over the years, he played in multiple bands, including his favorite; worship bands both locally and as part of the worship team at Christ’s Church in Effingham. In recent years, he also enjoyed refurbishing old drum sets, bringing them back to life piece by piece. Jeff loved working with his hands and was never without a project. He enjoyed rebuilding vehicles, most recently taking great pride in his yellow 1975 CJ5 Rubigade. From model building, drawing, and glass etching to woodworking, he found fulfillment in creativity and craftsmanship. In more recent years, he developed a love for grilling and smoking meats, enjoyed completing bucket list travel trips with Brenda, and found great joy in hosting and participating in couples’ life groups. Jeff was a hard-working, dedicated man known for his humble and kind spirit. Above all, his greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren, who brought him endless pride and happiness.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Brenda Fred of Effingham; daughters, Sara Fred (Jessy Draves) of Effingham and their children Freddy and Marley; Kaylee (Brandon) Loy of Effingham and their children Jedsen, Braylee, and Jolee; and Jennifer Fred (Connor Greene) of Effingham. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Kathy and John Adams, and his brother and sister-in-law Todd and Jane Fred, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Betty Fred; and his brother, Mark Fred.
Jeff will be remembered for his unwavering faith, love of music, and devotion to his family.