Fred Lederhouse, Sr.

Fred J. Lederhouse, Sr., age 82 of Ransomville, died Saturday March 5, 2011 in Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, after a long illness. Fred was born August 4, 1928 in his family home in Ransomville and lived there his whole life. He was the son of the late Herbert and Agnes (Bills) Lederhouse. On October 21, 1950 he married Hazel (Mattoon) Lederhouse at Fillmore Chapel United Methodist Church in Ransomville. Together they operated his family farm until 1960. Fred worked at Prestolite in Niagara Falls from 1956 to 1958; then worked for the Town of Porter Highway Department for 31 years as a Heavy Equipment Operator, retiring in 1989. He was a member of the Ransomville Volunteer Fire Co. since 1948 and was an Exempt Member as well. Fred raced stock cars for 2 years and then owned and operated a car from 1962 to 1968 with Ed Ortiz as his driver. They competed at such speedways as Lancaster, Spencer, Cayuga, Fulton, and Ransomville. With his son Rick, he collected old gas engines, Hit & Miss Engines and since 1995 has amassed over 150 engines. They would travel to engine shows in New York State and Pennsylvania. Fred was also an avid hunter and a member of the Ransomville United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Hazel; a son, Fred "Rick" J. Lederhouse, Jr. of Ransomville, NY; a daughter, Cynthia (David) McLaughlin of Lockport; his grandchildren, Tammy (Angelo) LaGreca & David "MIke" McLaughlin; 5 great grandchildren; his twin sisters, Elberta (late Ken) Wills and Herberta (late Richard) Skellen both of Ransomville; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Clarabell (late John) Senek and a brother, Laurence "Ted" (late Ann) Lederhouse. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville on Monday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 PM. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, March 8, at 11:00 AM in the Ransomville United Methodist Church, 2573 Youngstown Lockport Rd., Ransomville, with the Rev Matthew Worley officiating. Burial will follow in North Ridge Cemetery, Church Rd., Town of Cambria. Memorials may be made to the Ransomville Vol. Fire Co. Ambulance Fund, PO Box 239, Ransomville, NY 14131, the Ransomville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 250 Ransomville, NY 14131 or to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094.