Fred Kochendoerfer Obituary

Fred C. Kochendoerfer

Jul 30, 1948 - Apr 19, 2024

Huron

Fred C. Kochendoerfer, 75, residing in Huron Twp., passed unexpectedly early Friday morning, April 19, 2024, at home.

Fred was born July 30, 1948, in Bremen, Germany, to Fred P. and Lieselotte E. (Hennig) Kochendoerfer Jr.

Fred graduated from St. Mary's Catholic High School in 1966. He was a veteran of U.S. Army. He proudly served his country in the Vietnam War from 1968-1970 with the 2nd & 34th Armour-25th Infantry Division, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal w/QLC, and Army Commendation Medal. Fred was a lifetime member of Amvets Post #17, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2529, and American Legion Post #83. He enjoyed running, cycling, supporting his family at basketball games and football games, gardening, traveling, and driving his 1976 Corvette Stingray and recently his 1981 Mercedes. He loved being everyone's friend and spending time with his family. Fred was known as the "Guitar Man" and for his infectious laugh! He touched so many lives with his musical ability and taught numerous stringed instruments.

Fred's passion for music began at a very early age. He was so accomplished and capable that he started teaching music at age 14 at Williams Music. Through the years, Fred continued teaching music at several locations. He taught at Hey's Music, Lombardy's Music Company, and after over 30 years of teaching music at Musicians Alley, he retired in April, 2019. To say Fred impacted many lives through music is an understatement.

His music career was more than teaching. Fred started playing guitar at local venues at a very early age as well. His father, recognizing his passion and talent, would take him to play with a band at the Wonder Bar in Milan when he was just 10 years old. He played in many other bands through the years such as The Vi Shiefley Trio, The New Pastels, Three Hits and A Miss, ending his band career with the All-Niters. For many years, with great friends and band members, he played many locations from Toledo to Cleveland and beyond, including The Pump, Brown Derby Restaurant, Showboat Restaurant, Holiday Inn, and as the house band for Sawmill Creek Resort for over 17 years.

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Gidget Propst; sons, Fred P. (Holly) Kochendoerfer III and Eric J. (Lisa) Kochendoerfer, both of Sandusky; stepchildren, Joshua L. (Stacey) Messer of Cincinnati, Autumn D. (Richard) Mantooth of Silver Creek, Georgia, and Joseph L. (Kathryn) Messer of Berlin Heights; grandchildren, Graden, Christian, Taylor, Annabell, Alayna, Killian, Bethany, Everleigh, Lydia, Nora, and Sarah; sister, Charlotte (Richard) Scheufler of Collins; nephews, Richard and Nicholas; mother of his children, Judy Kochendoerfer; and other relatives and close friends whom he regarded as his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Alice Christiansan.

Visitation for friends will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory. Private family services and burial will be at Meadow Green Memorial Park with Pastor Wally Gilbert presiding.

Those wishing to contribute to Fred's memory may do so to Disabled American Veterans, 860 Dolwick Dr., Erlanger, Kentucky, 41018, or Scott Gast MHS Scholarship fund, please make a check payable to Margaretta Local Schools. Indicate that it is for the "Scott Gast Scholarship" on the check's memo link and mail it to Margaretta Local Schools, 305 South Washington St., Castalia, Ohio, 44824.

Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.