Fred "Derf" Bahn died peacefully on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, with his children Mark and Kathy, his son-in-law Lawrence, and granddaughter Mady by his side. Fred was a loving and devoted husband to his wife Joann, who he was married to for over 63 years. Despite his physical limitations in the last few years, Fred was kind and patient in caring for Joann.

Fred was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He was the only surviving child of Fred and Alice Bahn. Fred worked a variety of jobs including paperboy, office boy, and butcher, but his main career was a dedicated truck driver for Air Products, Inc. He received many recognitions for his outstanding safety records as a driver. One of his noted deliveries was providing the helium for the Goodyear Blimp.

Fred served two years in the United States Army and was a proud veteran. He was a member of the Traveling Army Rifle Team based out of Fort Lee, Virginia. Fred earned many awards for his marksmanship as a sharpshooter. He often talked about the difficulty of shooting a target 3,000 feet away.

Fred married Joann in 1960. They raised four children in Inkster, Michigan. Most friends around the neighborhood knew Fred as "Mr. Inkster Parks and Recreation." Hanging out with Mr. Bahn was the place to be; many kids even claimed him as their adoptive dad. Fred was tough, but a good father. He was known to his children as "Pops", "Papa", or just "Dad." He also helped to raise his granddaughter Cassandra, with whom he shared a special bond, and ultimately came to enjoy being called "grandpa." Fred and Joan moved to Dearborn in the early 2000's.

Fred was a character to say the least. He was well known in places he frequented including barber shops and donut shops. He didn't hesitate to give his opinion. Fred's family will always remember his special renditions of "Happy Birthday" sung loudly and off-key. His family learned not to complain around him, or they would be chastised with: "You poor baby." He liked to lament that "nobody loves me" when he knew indeed, he was greatly loved.

Fred was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fly fish. The AuSable River and the Upper Peninsula's Escanaba River were "holy water" to him. Fred was a history buff, especially regarding WWII. Fred was also an artist. He used to love to sketch and draw, and later created beautiful leather work.

Fred will be reunited with his faithful companion Buzz.

Fred is survived by his wife Joann and his children - Joan and her husband Irv LaLonde, Carol and her husband Phil MacFarland, Mark and his wife Juls Bahn, Kathy and her husband Lawrence Zane. His grandchildren - Cassandra and her husband John LaValley, Seamus MacFarland, Mady Zane, Nicholas Staels and his wife Michelle Connor. His great grandchildren - Madison LaValley, Connor Staels, Jeshua Staels, Emmie Staels, and Killian Staels.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to MUCC (Michigan United Conservation Club) or Trout Unlimited.

The family is planning a memorial gathering in the future.