ROCHELLE — Fred L. McBride, 85, of Rochelle, passed away Friday, May 14 at Liberty Village in Rochelle. Fred was born December 14, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Howard and Evelyn (Raymond) McBride. He married Mary Diane Wolford on January 20, 1957 in Rochelle. 

Fred started working with Rochelle Plumbing right out of high school in 1954. He took over the business in 1978. He and Diane owned and operated the business until retirement in 2004. He became known as the plumber with the cigar in his mouth.

Fred loved all genres of music and dancing with his wife, especially to the beer barrel polka. He like to fish, play cards and pool, and shake dice. Fred always put family first. He was very proud of his kids, grandkids and great grandkids.

If he liked you, you knew it and the same could be said if he didn’t like you. Fred had a great sense of humor and loved playing practical jokes.

Fred is survived by his children, Fred J. McBride, Pam (Joel) Alis, and Peggy (Lonnie) Capes; grandchildren, Melissa (Dan) Wurster, Fred D. (Cambrai) McBride, Jim Hook, Amy (Jeremy) Yates, Jaclyn Simpson, Christopher (Laura) Simpson, and Megan (Tim) Simpson; great-grandchildren, Jake and Owen Yates, Freddie D., Cheyenne, Caroline, and Charlene McBride, Jimmy Hook, Austin Wright, Blake Walters, Timmy and Lola Thompson, and Ryder Simpson; brothers, Tom McBride and Jim (Gaye) McBride;  son-in-law, Jon Simpson  and numerous nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, Fred is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Diane McBride; daughter-in-law, Sue McBride; son-in-law, Don Engelking; three brothers, Howard, Don, and Robert McBride; and two sisters, Phyllis Cooper and Mary McBride.

A private family graveside service will be held Saturday, May 22 at Trinity Memory Gardens with Pastor Jack Briggs officiating. Contributions in Fred’s memory may be directed to Serenity Hospice and Home. Please visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.