Obituary

Remembering Frederick Samuel Mills

Frederick Samuel Mills, age 17, of Rockford, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 6, 2026. He will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Jeffrey and Kimberly Mills; siblings, Kelly, Thomas and Taylor Mills, Matthew, and Jessica; grandmothers, Linda Mills and Sandra Massis; many aunts, uncles, and cousins. 
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, David Mills and Bernie Massis.
Freddie spent many years playing hockey at the Griffins Youth Foundation and loved his coaches and teammates. He enjoyed his coworkers at Pizza Hut and Meijer, also his classmates at Creative Technologies Academy. Freddie has a large loving family and group of friends that will miss him greatly. 
Relatives and friends may meet the family on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 5-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Griffins Youth Foundation.  
 

Service Information

Visitation and Funeral Details

Guestbook

Tribute Messages

Leave Your Tribute
rip THE GOAT

— Callen Phillips

Fred was a shining light in his Exploring Music class. I enjoyed hearing him share good news about his hockey games and work life. He was incredibly respectful, hard-working, and such a joy to teach. His absence will be felt by all those who were lucky enough to know him. RIP Fred.

— Grayson Barton

Fred was truly the nicest person that I have ever met and he would compliment my drawings every time he would see them. Fred was truly the greatest at making people laugh every day and I’m really going to miss that. Rest easy brother I hope we can make each other laugh again someday 🔥🔥❤️❤️

— Melinda vaness

Freddie was on my team for the past two years at GYF. We called him “All Day Freddie” because of his ability to get back as a defensemen and catch a puck carrier before they could get a shot off. It was a privilege to coach such a great young man. One of the traditions on my team is to give out an award after a hard fought victory. Freddie won this award after one game and held the award up in triumph- so excited, so overwhelmed with joy. At that moment he shared the innocence of his life with us. I’ve never experienced that from anyone on my teams before. Eternal rest grant unto him, oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. I will miss you dearly and never forget you. #16 All Day Freddie

— Coach Steve

I didn't know one person who didn't love Fred including myself. He was such a sweet person. Rest easy, Fred.❤️

— Moanna Oke

Freddie was by far one of my favorite coworkers at pizza hut. He was so funny and kind, always showing me cool cars he took pictures of or when he took a picture of a moped being towed. There has not been a day that’s gone by that i don’t think of him. I always looked forward to my shifts when freddie was in the back i knew i would have a good night with him working. He always put in 100% effort. He made me so happy and made my days better just by a simple hi. Freddie you are dearly missed. Pizza hut will never be the same. Fly high until we meet again🕊️❤️

— Demi Mazur

I didn't know him personally but he was very nice from what I hear, I hope his family is doing okay and I wish them the best. Rest easy, Fred.

— Stevie H

hey bud I didn't know you that well but the parts I saw were always joy compassion and love for those around you sorry I didn't get to know you more you were always a joy to be around you will be missed hope to see you soon bud -sam

— Samuel E Elliott

Aunt Kimmy, Uncle Jeff, and my cousins. Ally and I are very sorry to hear about the loss of Freddie. We had the pleasure to meet Freddie at Thomas’ Wedding, and I could tell he was a stand up young man, with a kind soul. We offer you our deepest condolences. We are thinking about you guys everyday. Love Ally, JJ, Bowen, and Caden Massis.

— JJ Massis

Starting at Kent Career Tech Center as a senior felt incredibly daunting to me. It was like starting entirely from scratch—new faces, new teachers, and a completely new world. I was shy, feeling like just a shell of myself, and I didn't have any friends there. That is, until I met Fred. Fred embraced me with open arms when I needed it most. He was the one who reached out, talked to me, and brought me out of my shell. Soon, we were sitting in class together, sharing ridiculous Marketplace finds and whatever funny things we stumbled across on the internet. He was brilliant, too—always a step ahead of everyone else, effortlessly breezing through our I-CAR safety classes. Whenever he wasn't crushing his training or classwork, I’d always catch him quietly doodling away in his notebook. We shared so many great, simple moments. Whenever he was having issues with his computer, I'd step in to help him fix it, and we’d just sit there laughing about the whole thing. I'll never forget the endless jokes we made when he lost his beloved Coca-Cola hat. Those are the memories I am going to hold onto forever. Fred was one of the most amazing, compassionate friends I have ever had. Hearing the news of his passing left me absolutely devastated. But, Fred, for you, I am going to keep putting myself out there and keep making friends. I know with all my heart that is exactly what you would want me to do. Fly high, buddy. -Kevin KCTC classmate

— Kevin Marlatt

Fred was the most compassionate soul I've ever met. We sat together everyday talking about our daily lives. There's not a day I remember not coming home talking about something he did or said that made my day better. Fred was never afraid to be himself, from his goofy dance moves to sharing his music taste, and ripping up the courtyard with RC cars. I'm going to miss our daily debriefs and you'll always be remembered by all of us. Rest easy friend. 🤟🏻🕊️

— Linley

Fred was genuinely the kindest soul you could ever have met. especially at school, he was the most funny, entertaining. always happy to be with the group, and always cracking jokes. He was the coolest person in that school and it’s a fact. From cars to music, there was so many things i could talk to freddie about at school and that’s why i will always keep him in my heart. freddie deserved the world and nothing less, and now his light will shine with us forever. rest easy man, im going to miss you.

— Easton Deforest

Fred was genuinely the kindest soul you could ever have met. especially at school, he was the most funny, entertaining. always happy to be with the group, and always cracking jokes. He was the coolest person in that school and it’s a fact. From cars to music, there was so many things i could talk to freddie about at school and that’s why i will always keep him in my heart. freddie deserved the world and nothing less, and now his light will shine with us forever. rest easy man, im going to miss you.

— Easton DeForest

I played Hockey with him; he was on my team for the 2023-2024 season. He was a wonderful player and a great teammate. Prayers to his family and friends.

— Breanah Tyler

We, at the Rockford Meijer, want to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of such a sweet young man with a tender heart. He was always so polite and respectful to everyone. He was a hard worked and never complained about the tasks assigned to him. He was so loved and will be greatly missed by his Meijer family. Rest peacefully buddy! 💗🕊

— Bethany Marquez

We are holding your family up in prayer as you navigate this tragic loss. May you feel the strength and presence of your Heavenly Father who has experienced the same loss of his Son for Freddie. We are so sorry.

— Beth Nanzer - Jeff's co-worker

Fred was one of the nicest students at CTA. Always polite and friendly and always with a smile! You are already so missed.

— Kelly Atkins

Fred was my best friend I will never forget him he was always there for me whine I was sad or need someone to talk to most days we wold just send memes back and forth. I will see you in paradise one day, brother.

— Ezra Hall

We will miss you so much, Freddie. ❤️ I had the pleasure of working with you at Pizza Hut, and you were truly one of the sweetest people I’ve ever worked with. You were always smiling, always kind to everyone, and you worked so hard. You always put so much effort into everything you did, and you made some great pizzas! 🍕😊 You always brought such a positive and happy energy to work, and it won’t be the same without you. I’m so grateful I got the chance to work with you and get to know you. You will truly be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing you. ❤️ Rest easy, Freddie. You will never be forgotten. 🕊️

— Jenna Nelson

Kimmy & Jeff, We are so sorry to hear about Freddie. Thinking of your family and sending you love and prayers. Ashley, Chris, & family

— Ashley (Massis) Class

We are shocked to hear about Freddie’s passing. We got to know the Mills family through GYF as Freddie was on the same team as our son. He was a good kid and his parents are wonderful people. We are so sorry for your loss. In Christ. Brent, Theresa, Brent, Charlie and Savanna Chalko

— Theresa Chalko

Oh Fred! My Sweet Boy!! I miss you so much already! My heart is so broken. Rest peacefully in the arms of God now handsome! Send us some God winks every once in awhile... I love you. Until we meet again ❤️

— Marci McDougal

Leave a Tribute

Share a message with the family

Order Flowers

Send Flowers for Frederick

Honor Frederick with a floral arrangement delivered through Love Knots Floral.

Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement

$100 + $15 Delivery Fee

Thinking of You Basket

$40 + $15 Delivery Fee

Stargazer Garden

$78 + $15 Delivery Fee

Stargazer Easel Spray

$150 + $15 Delivery Fee

Sincere Sympathy Garden

$55 + $15 Delivery Fee

Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)

$30 + $15 Delivery Fee

Remembrance Easel Spray

$175 + $15 Delivery Fee

Natures Glory

$55 + $15 Delivery Fee

Loving Embrace

$60 + $15 Delivery Fee

Gerbera Greetings

$50 + $15 Delivery Fee

Colorful Memories Wreath

$315 + $15 Delivery Fee

Classic Sympathy

$65 + $15 Delivery Fee

Blooming Duo

$60 + $15 Delivery Fee

Bells of Beauty

$130 + $15 Delivery Fee

Beautiful Memories

$175 + $15 Delivery Fee

Beautiful Blessings Wreath

$240 + $15 Delivery Fee

Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.