Fred L. Van Dyke of Toronto, OH passed away peacefully in his home on April 9, 2022, at the age of 86.
Fred "Fritz" was born on June 21, 1935, in the little village of Empire, OH and lived nearly all of his life in Toronto, OH. Fritz is a 1953 graduate of Toronto High School and loved sports and lettered in football and track. Marrying his sweetheart Esther Kell in 1957, they were married 64 years and lovingly raised three children. His passing occurred just 16 days shy of the one-year anniversary of her departure.
Fritz loved his Savior Jesus Christ and lived out his faith demonstrating that certainty. He was a member of the Finley United Methodist Church in Steubenville, OH where he served in various volunteer positions over a span of 50 years as worship leader, Sunday School teacher, lay-minister, men's baseball team member, and served on the church board of directors. Fritz also served as the President of the local chapter of the Gideons. He felt privileged to be able to pass out Bibles and give folks the opportunity to own one for themselves. Fritz loved reading the Word of God and did it every day, even right up to the day the Lord called for him. He and his wife Esther, also volunteered as youth counselors for Youth for Christ International making many trips with kids to the Ocean City, NJ Conventions, and local youth programs. Fritz love music and it was a huge part of his testimony-telling. Not only being the worship leader at his home church for years, he sang in two quartets: The Harvesters, and The Faith Trio, with the trio releasing one album. Fritz went onto record 5 more of his own CD's. He loved giving them to people, even in his elder years when he was less mobile, he felt it was a continuing ministry to bless someone with music. He also served as sound technician, advisor, and record producer for his daughter, Darlene's music ministry.
Somehow in all of this, Fritz managed to be a full-time union employee of TIMET in Toronto, OH as the Hot Mill Scheduler for 38.5 years and a continuing consultant for 2 more years. He was faithful to his wife and children, and additionally was generous in helping others. When he wasn't busy... lol...Fred enjoyed reading, swimming, golfing, and playing board games at the kitchen table with family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Esther, his parents Floyd P. and Lenora (Barker)Van Dyke, his brother Floyd, his sister Elva, and his half-brother Bill. He is survived by his three children, Fred (Margaret) of Venice, FL, Becky (Lou) of Toronto, OH and Darlene of Southampton, PA; and his brother Wendell (Donna) of Toronto, OH. He dearly loved his grandchildren, Heather (Chris) Smith, Craig (Kelly) Van Dyke, Stephanie (Kris) Coffman, Rikki Lyn (Jared) Pudvan, Ryan (Tiffany) Van Dyke, Tyler Van Dyke, and Randalyn Sofronski. He and Esther rejoiced over their great-grandchildren; Reven, Deiken, Roman, Hadley, Gabriel, Ezekiel, and Jasper.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, from 3 pm to 6 pm at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto, OH followed immediately by a musical Celebration of Life Service officiated by Rev. Mark Statler. Please join us! Come tell us your stories as you remembered Fritz. Refreshments to follow in the funeral home Hospitality Lounge.
Interment will be private at the Fort Steuben burial estates in Wintersville, Ohio.
Charitable gifts may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association at www.billygraham.org - click on the GIVE tab.