Donald Fritz "Fritz" Vanderpohl

Donald “Fritz” Vanderpohl, 79, of Greensburg passed away on August 8, 2013 peacefully at his home with his family by his side. He was born on March 9, 1934 in a small farmhouse in Millhousen. He was one of 13 children born to John and Helen (Blankman) Vanderpohl. Like most boys in Millhousen he worked the family farm and later served in the United States Army. Fritz was many things but the things his family will miss the most are his beautiful blue eyes, the pranks, how funny he was, his thoughtful gestures, and that he would give the last penny in his pocket to help someone in need. He married Izetta Ruth Synder-Pate on May 28, 1968 in Shelbyville, Indiana. They were members of the Sandcreek Baptist Church of Greensburg. Fritz retired from the Greensburg Fire Department in 1972. He then started Vanderpohl Trenching; he was proud of all the work he did with REMC. He enjoyed spending all of his time with his family at “The Land” fishing, gardening, playing cards, and mowing. Fritz had an unconditional love that he shared with “his girls” he always brought gifts, candy, flowers, and wrote thoughtful letters to each of them. He was always outnumbered in the house of women but he loved his role in the “Vanderpuddle Home”.

Fritz’s love, smile, laughs, and pranks will be missed by: his Wife- Ruth Vanderpohl, Daughter- Debbie (Joe) Roark, Grandchildren- Kelly Jameson, Leslie (Nick) Thackery, Sisters-Esther Abbott, Dorothy (Charles) Land, Elizabeth Schroeder, Marilyn Preston, Brothers- Gilbert Vanderpohl and Vernon Vanderpohl, Great Grandchildren- Alexa and Brenley Jameson, Cohen, Carmen, and Corbin Thackery. He was preceded in death by: His Parents, Son- Ricky Pate, Brothers- Irvin, Clifford, and John Vanderpohl, Sister- Evelyn Theising, Florine Owen, and Joan Vanderpohl.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at the Gilliland Howe Funeral Home on Monday, August 12, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 13, at 10:00 am. Rev. Bob Harding will be officiating. Memorials can be made to the Hoosier Burn Camp. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com