Frederick McNew

Frederick Joseph McNew, 85, of Grand Haven Michigan, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026. He was born November 25,1940, in Litchfield Illinois, the son of Estell and Velda Baines McNew.

Fred graduated from Litchfield High School, attended college, received a Masters’ Degree in English and began preparing for priesthood. After thoughtful consideration, he determined that his calling lay elsewhere. He enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served for four years and traveled extensively while serving as a speechwriter for the United States Navy Admiral John McCain Jr.

Following his military service, Fred enjoyed a successful career in real estate in Kansas City, Missouri, for many years. He later transitioned to the credit union industry, serving as a loan officer before transferring to Grand Haven, Michigan as a specialized loan officer. Never one to stop learning, Fred pursued a new passion following retirement by becoming a licensed massage therapist, developing many lasting friendships through the clients he served. He also enjoyed painting abstract art in his spare time.
Fred was a faithful member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake, MI.

He was preceded in death by his parents Estell and Velda McNew, and his sister, Marilyn JoAnn Yemm.

Fred is survived by his sister Janet McNew; nephews Perry (Kathy) Yemm, Scott (Penny) Yemm, Jeff (Becca) Yemm; nieces, Shelley Leepper and Sheila (Jim) Grimsley, and many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 406 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI. Graveside services will be held at Virden Cemetery in Virden, Illinois on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. with Father James Palakudy officiating.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fred’s memory.