Fred Lee Ferris, 81, passed away peacefully at Sunrise Senior Living in Lenexa on March 21, 2024.  Fred grew up in Council Bluffs, IA and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1962. 

He worked for the Union Pacific railroad for 40 years retiring in 2002.  He enjoyed being “on the road” for UP during the 1970-80’s throughout the United States.  When the Omaha shops closed, he was transferred to Pocatello, ID and Topeka, KS before returning to Omaha to finish his railroad career maintaining the historic Heritage Fleet. 

Fred was married to his first wife Diane for 35 years until her death in 2003.  After retirement, Fred spent part of each year in Oregon with his daughter Lisa and grandchildren and part of the year in Overland Park, Kansas near his other daughter Lori.  He married Susan Macauley Ferris in 2012.  They enjoyed their retirement, spending many summers in Colorado. 

Fred was always known as being easy going and seeing the positive side of things.  He could laugh at himself and not take things too seriously.  His good natured, low-key personality will be missed by those who knew him. 

Preceding Fred in death were his parents, Fred and Ida (McNew) Ferris, his sisters Jeanne Neill (Ed) and Dorothy Ferris and his first wife Diane Ferris. 

Survivors include his wife, Susan and her children Mark Macauley and Shauna Macauley; daughters Lori Ferris and Lisa Ferris (Niklas Petersson); siblings Marilyn Roberts (Denny), Sally Wehbey (Jim), Tom Ferris (Susie), and Jack Ferris (Kathy), grandchildren Naim, Aaron, and Avery Ferris as well as many nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to thank the many caregivers who assisted in his care over the last several years. 

There will be a private family burial at Pleasant Valley Cemetery and a public Celebration of Life ceremony to be held in the future.