Fred H. Treftz, 58, of Montgomery, IL, passed away on the morning of Friday, March 13th, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 8th, 1967, in Blue Island, IL to parents Fred and Elaine Treftz. Spending his childhood in Dolton, IL, he went on to graduate from Valparaiso University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and later an M.B.A from Indiana University.

Fred spent his career as a mechanical engineer; he most recently worked as a project manager at International Motors. Throughout his years of employment, he had the opportunity to travel the world, visiting all continents except for Africa and Antarctica, with significant time in China, Japan, Mexico, and Canada. His extensive travel informed his worldview each day, helping make him the curious, kindhearted man everyone knew him to be.

After more than a decade-long friendship, Fred married his beloved wife, Stephanie, in August of 2017. He embraced the role of fatherhood, supporting Mackenzie and Finnegan in everything they did without hesitation. In their time as a family-though much too short-they experienced many of what Fred liked to call "adventures." Whether exploring a new restaurant or watching a movie or traveling the world, he approached family life with that curiosity and care so special to him. Along with being cherished as a devoted husband and father, he will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his enthusiasm for Star Wars, and his love of all things peanut butter.

He is survived by his wife, Stephanie Treftz; his stepchildren, Mackenzie and Finnegan Murray; his parents, Fred and Elaine Treftz; and one brother, Henry (Sheila) Treftz; as well as many dear extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred's name can be made to the Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center through the Rush Copley Foundation.

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, March 20th, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with a funeral service immediately following at DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY, 1801 S. Douglas Road, Oswego, IL 60543. For information, 630-554-3888 or visit his memorial page at www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com