Frederick W. "Fred" Huizinga

Frederick W. “Fred” Huizinga, age 91, of Palos Heights, IL passed away on June 12, 2026. Beloved husband for 68 years to Florence “Flo” Huizinga, nee Venhuizen. Loving father of Dave (Luci) Huizinga, Sandy (Shane) Doot, Sharon (Steve) Reusz. Cherished grandfather of Dan (Chelsea) Huizinga, Joel (Andrea) Huizinga, Mike Reusz, Cory (Ben) Jansen, Alyssa (Taylor) Calacci, Peter Doot and Stephanie (Max) Martin. Dearest great Big Papa of Finley, Oliver and another one on the way. Devoted son of the late Elmer and Margaret (nee Bolhuis) Huizinga. Dear brother of Elm (Marion), Cathie (Ron) Corstange, Hank (Mary), Ken (Henny) and Marve (Sue).

Fred grew up in Englewood, IL as the oldest child of a large family consisting of five boys and one girl. As a youth he enjoyed playing many different sports with his neighborhood friends, who called themselves the Green Street Tigers. He began working in a nearby drug store as a teenager. This eventually led to a degree and life-long career in pharmacology. In the early part of his career, he worked long hours in a retail drug store. From there he worked in a hospital pharmacy and was one of the first pharmacists in the area to go on hospital rounds with physicians. In the latter part of his career, he became a detail pharmaceutical representative for Eli Lilly. While working for Eli Lilly he became a top salesperson and earned many sales awards. Towards the end of his career, he enjoyed sharing his knowledge of pharmacology by teaching classes to future nurses.

Fred met his future wife, Flo, in the second grade. They attended school together and shortly before graduation they began dating. In 1957 they were married and raised three children together. They built a house in 1961 in Palos Heights, IL, and lived there for 65 years. After retirement they built a cottage in Ellsworth, MI. and then a house in The Villages, FL, where they were "snow birds" for many years.

Through the years Fred was very involved in church as an elder and in many volunteer roles. He demonstrated his faith through service and in his relationships. In his free time Fred played many rounds of golf (he had 4 holes-in-one). He also enjoyed working outside on his lawn and gardens, horseback riding, tennis, church softball and was an avid fisherman. As the kids and grandkids came along Fred would share his love for fishing and developed some special "fishing buddy" relationships. Throughout his lifetime, Fred was a dedicated Sox fan. 

Fred and Flo's dedication to each other is a testament to their love, and a wonderful example for their children and grandchildren. We mourn, but not as those who do not know the Lord, and we anticipate a heavenly reunion.

Visitation Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Service Friday, June 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem) Orland Park, IL.  The Funeral Service recording is below. Interment Chapel Hill Gardens South, Oak Lawn, IL.

Memorials to Crossroads Prison Ministry, P.O. Box 900, Grand Rapids, MI 49509-0900 CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE are appreciated.

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400