Dr. Federspiel grew up in Ithaca, Michigan and graduated from Ithaca High School. At the University of Michigan/Ann Arbor he completed his Bachelors degree and then a Masters degree in Mathematics and Statistics. Upon graduation, he was recruited to join the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps in the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta. This was the beginning of his life-long professional commitment to public health. He then entered the joint University of North Carolina/North Carolina State University graduate program in Statistics and was awarded the Ph.D. in Statistics.
While completing his degree, Chuck met and married another graduate student, Jo Deason. He and Jo lived first in Chapel Hill and then moved to Raleigh when his dissertation work required use of the newly established NC State computer system. They then moved to Nashville where he was the only Biostatistics Ph.D at Vanderbilt University. Under Dr. Federspiel’s leadership, a Division of Biostatistics was established in the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He served as Director of the Division and during that time also served as Interim Chairman of the Department of Preventive Medicine.
Dr. Federspiel has been a part of the Vanderbilt Center of Patient and Professional Advocacy (CPPA) since its founding. He was the Biostatistician with the original grant that led to the creation of CPPA.
Chuck was an accomplished amateur photographer and received awards for his work. His favorite subjects were flowers, particularly the roses he cultivated, and interesting people. He photographed many Vanderbilt graduations which he enjoyed because he said everyone there was happy. His graduation photographs were exhibited at the University Club of Nashville.
Chuck is survived by the loves of his life, his wife Jo, his daughter Ingrid, and his grandson Hartsul.
The family will have a private memorial. Please, no flowers. Those wishing to honor his memory might consider Belmont United Methodist Church or the Land Trust of Tennessee.
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