Jack Frederick

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Jack William Frederick, age 92, formerly of Kendallville, died Sunday, January 28, 2024, at his home in Avilla. Jack was born July 5, 1931, in Kendallville, Indiana, to the late Arthur and Celia (Wible) Frederick. He married Roberta M. (Gehring) Frederick on August 8, 1954. Jack was one of five children and had a twin sister, Joanne. Even though they were twins, their birthdays were on different days. Jack was born just before midnight on July 5th and Joanne was born after midnight on July 6th. Joanne and Jack’s three older sisters, Arlene Munk; Maxine Carlisle; and Beverly Mustard Terman all preceded him in death. 

Jack graduated from Kendallville High School. He farmed until 1961 when he moved his family to Kendallville where he worked for Kraft Foods until he retired.

Jack held a deep love for his family and community. He was an active and dedicated volunteer for more organizations than can be listed here, but included Noble County 4H, Rural Youth, Jaycee’s, Lions, and Noble County Republicans. Boards he served on included Mid-America Windmill Museum, Noble County Council on Aging, Noble County Fair and East Noble Community Schools. As a young man, he also called hoedown square dances often with a band. He was a life-long member of First Christian Church where he served as a deacon and enjoyed working as part of the Yard Birds group.

Jack received many honors for the service he provided to his community including a Sagamore of the Wabash (highest honor the governor can bestow) and was Kendallville’s 2006 Citizen of the Year.  Jack had many passions which included gardening. He loved sharing the bounty God provided with people in the community.  

Survivors include: his wife of 69 years, Roberta (Gehring) Frederick, Avilla.

Children: Kim (Kirk) Sabrosky, Fort Wayne; Paula Sprunger, Kendallville; and Arthur (Regina) Frederick, Markle.

Grandchildren: Jackie (Doug) McCarty, Noblesville; Rachel (Sean) Weigand, Fort Wayne; Tyler Sprunger, Kendallville; Jason Frederick, Fort Wayne; Sarah Frederick, Wawaka; Kyle (Ali) Thomas, Harlan; Michael (Nikki)Thomas, Fort Wayne; and Austin Thomas, McCordsville.

Great grandchildren: Cora, Mason, Madison, Laine, Tucker, Xander, Aria and Kylar. He is also survived by sister-in-law Sharon Anderson and many nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his great granddaughter, Grace Linnea Sprunger.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 9, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at First Christian Church, 110 West Waits Road, Kendallville.

Funeral services will be held at Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11 a.m. at First Christian Church with calling one hour prior to the service. Pastor David Gruber and Pastor Michael DiSanto will officiate the funeral service.

Pallbearers for the service are Tyler Sprunger, Jason Frederick, Tim Buchanan, Bob Buchanan, Mike Buchanan and Dave Langwell. Honorary pallbearers are Fred Inniger, Bob Krueckeberg and Wayne Root.

Memorial donations may be made to: First Christian Church, Mid-America Windmill Museum, Parkview Hospice or Noble County Community Fair Corporation.

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