Ronald Lee Fecher

Ronald “Ron” Lee Fecher, 83, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, at Lutheran Life Villages.

Born in Mishawaka, Indiana, on March 1, 1942, to the late Kenneth and Esther (Zumbrunnen) Fecher, Ron was known for his no-nonsense presence—rough around the edges, short on smiles, and occasionally intimidating. Yet beneath that exterior, he was an invested listener and the first to offer help, always ready to give the shirt off his back.

For 32 years, Ron dedicated himself to teaching in the Fort Wayne Community School System, retiring in 1997. Beyond the classroom, he was an active member of the Northeast Indiana Athletic Association Officials and was honored multiple times as Indiana’s Track and Field Official of the Year.

A man of many talents and passions, Ron was a gifted woodworker who lovingly crafted more than 20 handmade gifts each year for family and friends. He also explored stained and beveled glass and played both acoustic and electric guitar. An avid runner, he logged more than 50,000 miles over three decades. Ron was an enthusiastic lover of Blues and Classic Rock music. On Saturdays, he could reliably be found cheering for his beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Known for his humor and practicality, his signature phrase—“You fly, I buy”—will long be remembered by those who traveled or dined with him.

Ron is survived by his wife of 61 years, Karen; daughter, Kristine (Charles) Fedorka; and grandchildren, Jessica and Wyatt Fedorka.

A visitation celebrating Ron’s life will be held Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes – Lakeside Park, 1140 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805.

No formal services are planned.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Research through BrightFocus Foundation at https://donate.brightfocus.org/adr/donate

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mccombandsons.com for the family.