Frederick "Fred / Fritz" Marolewski, age 94, of Manhattan (formerly of Calumet City) passed away with family at his side on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital.

Fred is survived by his daughter Karen Nargis of Alva, FL, his son Paul Marolewski of Dyer, IN, his step-daughter Cheryl (Oz) De Paula of Manhattan, IL and one step-son Gary (Jenny) Stelmaszek of Channahon; five grandchildren: Megan and Natalie De Paula; and Kyle, Kevin and Kaylen Stelmaszek; his great grandson Karter Stelmaszek; and one brother Eugene (Geraldine) Marolewski.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents Steven and Eugenia Marolewski, his wife Adeline (nee Kalinowski) Marolewski in 1966, his daughter Cheryl Marolewski in 1971, his companion of 31 years Catherine Stelmaszek in 2013, his brother Edward Marolewski, his sisters Esther (Matthew) Herrick and Henrietta (Edward) Keller, and his faithful dog Cody.

Fred was born in Chicago in 1928 and graduated from Bowen High School. In his younger years, Fred played AAA baseball as a First Baseman and was part of the St. Louis Cardinals farm team. He was pulled up for one major league game on September 19, 1953 at Busch Stadium (Cardinals vs. Cubs) in the 12th inning of a tied game, but he never got a chance to bat. His story is documented in the MLB article " 'Moonlight' and his successors have no regrets. https://www.mlb.com/news/moonlight-graham-and-his-successors-have-no-regrets/c-33310354 For the remainder of his life, Fred proudly wore his St. Louis Cardinal's baseball cap.

After his baseball career, Fred worked as an insurance agent for Western & Southern Life Insurance; he retired in 1988 after 32 years of service Fred enjoyed fishing, golfing, woodworking, crossword puzzles and telling jokes. He was a regular at Kirby's Bakery every morning for the last 20 years where he enjoyed meeting up with his friends for a cup of coffee.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation for Fred will take place on Monday, March 6, 2023 from 4-8:00 P.M. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, Manhattan. Funeral service for Fred will take place the next day, March 7, 2023 beginning with prayers at 10:30 A.M. at the funeral home then in procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 235 W. North St., Manhattan, for 11:00 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial. Interment St. Joseph Guardian Angel Cemetery, Manhattan. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.