Fred Edward Church

Fred Edward Church

Fred Church Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home - Napoleon on Nov. 16, 2022.

Publish in a newspaper

Fred Edward Church, 97, of Napoleon, Ohio passed away at Swanton Valley Health Care on November 14, 2022. He was born in Bristolville, Ohio on September 25, 1925 to John and Emma (Laherz) Church. Fred married Shirley Reid on March 3, 1950 in Stryker, Ohio.
Fred proudly served his country in the US Army during WWII and was a lifelong member of the American Legion. He was also a member of St. Paul United Methodist church and Elks lodge. Fred grew up on a farm during the Depression and farmed with horses, only getting their first tractor after he returned from the Army. Fred taught at Napoleon High School and was well known as the High School Basketball Coach and had a special rapport with all of his teams. He retired on a high note with a State Title win in 1981. Fred loved being with his family, especially spoiling his grandchildren.
Fred is survived by his children, James (Mary Murphy) Church, John (Verna) Church and Joe (Jamie) Church; 7 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren; and siblings, Trudy Haid, Emily Schaffer, and Max Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Shirley; and brothers, John Church and Charles Church.
Friends and family will be received at the Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, Napoleon on Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 11:00 AM until the memorial services at 3:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Napoleon High School Athletic Department or the N Club. Online condolences may be shared with the family at rodenbergergray.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Fred's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Fred Church's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Fred Church's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?