Frederick James Rushman

March 10, 1947 - January 10, 2026

Frederick was born in Highland Park, MI to Warren Frederick and Frances Elfleeda (Smith) and grew up in Southfield, MI with his siblings Catherine Frances (Gene Leonardi), Mary Elizabeth (Arthur McNish) and John Warren (Barbara) Rushman.

He was very involved in outdoor adventures as a youth and with Boy Scouts of America. Early woodworking projects included tree houses and a 'boat'

He was in the second graduating class of Brother Rice High School in 1965.  He continued his education at Wayne State University earning Master's degrees in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering in 1970.  He went on the work as an engineer for Detroit Diesel for over 25 years, then Daimler Chrysler and  finally General Dynamics Land Systems.

While at Wayne State he met his wife Susan (Smith).  They were deeply in love and were married nearly 56 years!  They enjoyed hiking, camping and canoeing together.  They shared this love for the outdoors with their only child Jennifer (Eric Panek). Later on they tailgated at Michigan State football games while watching their daughter in the Spartan Marching Band.   Fred and Susan formed great friendships of their own while tailgating and continued tailgating for many years.  If not at the game, Fred would be cheering on the Spartans from home.  They were both active members of Sacred Heart Parish and he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Fred was an avid bowler for many years, on a league with his colleagues from Detroit Diesel and a mixed couples league with his wife.  He was a talented woodworker.  He created furniture, bookcases and even a cradle for his granddaughter's Isabella and Rosalia.

He was a voracious readier particularly biographies, history and spy mysteries books.  He was a very good cribbage player and always up for a game.

Fred is predeceased by his parents and nephew James 'Jimmy' Leonardi.

His insight, passion, dependability and attention to detail were hallmarks of everything Fred did.  He will be GREATLY missed by all who knew or loved him.

Visitation will be Friday, January 16, 2026 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. with a scripture service at 7:00 p.m. located at Howe-Peterson Funeral Home and Cremation Services 22546 Michigan Ave. Dearborn, MI 48124. The Funeral Mass will be Saturday, January 17, 2026 instate at 10:30 a.m. with Mass to begin at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Parish 22430 Michigan Ave. Dearborn, MI 48124.

The family suggests donations in Frederick's name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation https://www.cff.org/give-monthly