Fred D. Martin, 58, a lifetime resident of Kouts passed away Friday, August 12, 2022 at St. Anthony Hospital, Crown Point, IN. He was born August 4, 1964 in Valparaiso to Benjamin & Violette (Breitzke) Martin and graduated from Kouts High School in 1983. Fred began his career in public service in 1985 as an EMT for the Kouts Volunteer Fire Department, where he remained an active member until 2010. Fred was a paramedic, instructor and a supervisor for Porter Memorial EMS and then became Director of EMS Education and Development at Porter Memorial Hospital. Fred also worked as a paramedic for Lake of the Four Seasons Fire Force from 2002 until 2006. He also served as the Deputy Director for Porter County EMA (Emergency Management Agency) from 2004 until 2012. Fred taught several classes ranging from basic CPR, EMT-Basic and Paramedic. Fred worked with several area agencies to educate them on EMS related issues and provided them with their necessary continuing education requirements. Fred also served as Regional Faculty for the American Heart Association for both basic and advanced cardiac life support. Having begun his real estate career with Indiana Location Realtors in Kouts, he was currently employed as a Real Estate Broker with Century 21 Affiliated in Valparaiso.
In addition to his volunteer work in emergency services, Fred has served on the Board of Directors for the Porter County Red Cross, on the Kouts Economic Development Board as President, on the Kouts Police Department as a reserve Officer, and currently serves on the Porter County Storm Water Drainage Advisory Board. Having run for Porter County Commissioner as a Republican in 2020, Fred prioritized the development of a greater educated work force of Porter County residents to attract small businesses to the area by working with State and federal government to create incentives without increasing property taxes, and to modernize county infrastructure, specifically county road and emergency services.
On October 1, 1994 he married Dawn Mentz who survives along with their children; Jake Martin of Kouts & Emily Martin (Aaron Morton) of Valparaiso, siblings; Paul (Donna) Martin of Kouts, Roy (Mary) Martin of Kouts, Elmer (Joann) Martin of Valparaiso & Sylvia Bardusk of Michigan, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A visitation will be held Thursday, August 18th from 3 – 7 pm at Kosanke Funeral Home, (new location) 309 S. Main St., Kouts . Memorial donations may be made to the Kouts Volunteer Fire Department.
Fred will truly be missed. He was one of a kind who did so much. What We loved most about Fred were the stories he told. He knew and experienced so much. He was such a devoted husband and father. Fred does and will always live on the inside all of us. God bless you Fred and Rest In Peace. -Mark and Pat Farrington
I would engage in Fred’s stories for hours, and we often drove Emily and Dawn crazy. Fred was an incredible mentor, educator, and wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. He was also hilarious and had a great taste in music. If you were stranded in the middle of nowhere- Fred would be there for you. Countless times, he would light up by lighting up those around him. He was passionate about making our community the best it could be, driven to accomplish every task coming his way, and loved his family more than words can express. Having Fred during my transition from a boy to a man was a blessing. The memories created and lessons learned will be cherished forever. Here is one last thank you for serving our community, being there when we needed you, and fighting the best you could for your family until the end.
Rest In Peace. -Aaron Morton
Served well. -Christine Pilsitz
Dawn and Family, So very sorry for your loss. I won’t be able to make the services but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. -Margaret Montag FH Hammond
I remember when Fred was was born in 1964. Later he became my brother in law as I married his sister. He was a great kid and became an outstanding adult with a wonderful family. Such a great loss for all who knew him. -Steve Collins
Fred was one of my classmates at KHS! He was always very kind and friendly to all! Praying you find peace and comfort in precious memories!! It seems that he had a full and happy life with the love of his wonderful family!! -Cathy (Lombard) Aviles and family
Fred, you will be missed by so many….You definitely accomplished much in your short time here. You have left your mark in so many hearts & lives you touched. EMS is like no other career, we are a special kind of family who’s ties can never be broken. To know, whatever the call you’re responding to, that your Partner literally has your back as you have theirs, is immeasurable…Being able to Trust those you work along side of in EMS, is imperative. That kind of Trust is built over time & proven abilities, observing the knowledge, wisdom & skills one possess. These are traits that can’t be found in a classroom or a book…There’s a bond that exists among us all that will Never be broken, by time or space between us, that not even death can separate. Fred, know this, You have left a part of yourself, A huge piece of your Heart & Soul to carry on in this life and You will Never Be Forgotten…You were Loved by us all ! Fred, you were an Amazing person and I know, You’ll be an even Greater Angel! -Marykaye Grams-Hill (Neitzel)
HE WAS MY FRIEND AND A FRIEND TO MY WIFE AND CHILDREN. -DONALD WILSON
Rest well, my brother. Fred was my partner for several years. I will always have fond memories of us sitting on the apron, at night after a particularly "stinky" call, smoking cigars, to kill the smell. Dawn ,Jake and Emily, I am so sorry for your loss. -Greg Mills
