Fred Berns

On September 12, 2024, Fred Berns of Indianapolis passed away surrounded by his loving wife and daughters.

Fred is survived by his wife of 58 years, Fredda Berns; his daughters Gia Berns (David McGill), Francie Berns (Rich Levin) and Kymberlee Simantel (Wade); his grandchildren Sam McGill, Nick McGill, Fiona Levin, Zack Simantel, and Bailey Simantel; and two great grandchildren.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents Sam and Nita Berns; his in-laws Sam and Rose Neubauer; and his brother Ron Berns.

Fred was born September 14, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois. He was a proud Marine and a police officer in the city of Chicago until moving to Indianapolis to marry Fredda in 1966. Upon discovering there was no professional boxing (of which he was a big fan) in Indianapolis, Fred decided to put on a live boxing event the night before the Indianapolis 500. That show did not go very well. But as all great fighters do, Fred got right back up and kept on trying. That is when F & F Berns Boxing was born. Fred went on to promote over 500 live boxing shows for the next 40+ years across Indiana, and around the world. He brought in fighters like George Foreman, Marvin Johnson, Ed Too Tall Jones, Muhammad Ali and so many others. It was a great run! Fred was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash for his inspiration in leadership in the community. And he was inducted into the Indiana Boxing Hall of Fame for his years of contributions to the sport. 

As much as Fred loved boxing, he loved his kids and grandkids even more. He especially loved attending his grandkids’ sports and band concerts. He also loved great food, raw oysters, a spicy Bloody Mary, and telling a good story.

Fred will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Services will be held on Sunday September 15, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Beth-El Zedeck North Cemetery, 9938 Eller Road, Fishers, IN 46250