Fred Nicholls, founder and former president of Maplehurst Deli-Bake (now Maplehurst Bakeries, LLC), died Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Mill Pond Health Campus at Greencastle, Ind. He was 87.

Nicholls co-founded Spudnuts of Indiana, which evolved into Maplehurst Deli-Bake. In his 20 years as president of Maplehurst, Nicholls advanced the business immensely. He was also a recognized innovator in the frozen dough segment of the in-store bakery business.

“Fred was a pioneer in this industry,” says John Cheesman, vice president of sales/corporate accounts at Maplehurst and vice chairman of the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA). “He was instrumental in getting Maplehurst off to a successful start, and we still see the fruits of his efforts to this day. Fred’s contributions to this business were immense.”

Funeral services were Dec. 19 in Cloverdale, Indiana. Condolences may be sent to Nicholls’ family at cds@whitakerfuneralhome.net.