Frederick Solmer

Frederick “Fred” Solmer, 76, of Berne, Indiana, passed away Tuesday morning, August 5, 2025, at Swiss Village in Berne.

He was born on November 4, 1948, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Carl Frederick Solmer and Elfriede (Nandzik) Solmer Klockow. Fred was united in marriage to Carol Hewitt on June 19, 2010, in Tennessee.

Fred was a member of The Bridge Community Church.

Fred graduated from Riley High School in 1966 and earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University in 1970. His engineering career spanned more than 40 years, beginning with Texas Instruments in Houston, Texas, followed by nearly three decades at Bendix Aerospace Systems Division and its successor companies in South Bend, Indiana, and completing his career with ITT in Fort Wayne, Indiana. His technical expertise and problem-solving ability contributed to the development of the first TI handheld calculator, aerospace engine controls for military and commercial applications, and satellite test equipment.

Fred was a gifted photographer, with an eye for composition and lighting, and command of the technical aspects of both film and digital technology. He particularly enjoyed photographing Indiana’s native woodlands, capturing family events and weddings, and taking portraits of his children and grandchildren. Fred also enjoyed bicycling and walking in nature.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Solmer of Berne, Indiana; daughter, Julie (Mark) Solmer Stine of Cypress, Texas; daughter, Natalie (Ceyon Beckford) Solmer of Speedway, Indiana; son, Scott (Junko) Solmer of Clover, South Carolina; and five grandchildren: Bram Stine, Kymani Beckford, Brodie Stine, Alleon Beckford, and Alec Solmer. He is also survived by five stepchildren, Francesco Cutugno of Mishawaka, Indiana; Christina Cutugno of Mishawaka, Indiana; Randy (Teresa) Veach of Avon, Indiana; Mick (Melanie) Veach of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Missy (Dave) Fox of Monroe, Indiana; nine step-grandchildren; 17 step-great-grandchildren; and his brothers, Henry (Sue Sanger) Solmer of St. Louis Park, Minnesota; and Richard (Paula) Solmer of Sunset Beach, California.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Bridge Community Church, 406 E. Parr Street, Berne, Indiana, with Pastor Mick Veach officiating.

Preferred memorials can be given to the Adams County Community Foundation – Dementia Fund.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel of Berne, Indiana