Fred Lewis Spitler Sr

Fred Lewis Spitler, Sr., at the age of 97, passed away peacefully in the afternoon of September 19, 2025. We believe he entered Heaven, knowing that he was deeply loved. Fred was born on August 14, 1928, in Walnut Township, Ohio. He was the youngest child of Arlie & Margery Spitler, and he was affectionately called “Sonny”. He had 3 older brothers (William, Robert, James), and 2 older sisters (Irma, Juanita). He grew up in Millersport, Ohio. Proud graduate of Millersport High School- Class of 1946. On February 14, 1947, Fred married Marilyn Berry (dec.1974) Their marriage of nearly 28 years was filled with love, devotion, and family. Together they raised six children. Fred Lewis Spitler, Jr. (1950) Mark Allen Spitler (1952) Jeffrey David Spitler (1955) Kae Ann (Spitler) Barnes (1958) Joseph Daniel Spitler (1961) Lori Lynn (Spitler) Honnen (1963) 1960 The Fred Spitler family relocates from Ohio to Phoenix, Arizona. 1960-1981 Fred joined the Phoenix Police Department. He was sworn in to protect and serve as a Peace Officer, Serial Number 806. He retired after 20 years of brave service, as Administrative Sergeant in the General Investigative Bureau. On April 17, 1982, Fred married Irlene Stockton (dec. 2016) Their marriage blended two families together. And Fred whole-heartedly embraced Irlene’s two children and treated them as his own. Geralen (Stockton) DeLand Michael Stockton (dec. 2025) Fred is survived by… 19 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren Growing up on the Shreyer/Spitler farm was primitive by today’s standards: no electricity, no indoor plumbing, and no fancy tractors for the harvest. But what they lacked in luxuries, they made up for with a home full of love. Fred wrote his memoir, and titled it, “The Early Years”; a heartfelt collection of memories and stories. It reads like a history book of the Depression era in the Heartland of America. In this memoir, Fred reminisces about life on the farm, and the people & places of his hometown. Luckily Fred had the foresight to type, print & bind notebooks for these stories to be protected & shared for years to come. The time & effort he put into this labor of love, is a priceless gift to all of Fred’s descendants. One that sits on the bookshelf of each of his children and will be passed down for generations. Despite learning of the attack on Pearl Harbor when he was 13, and attending high school During the height of World War II; Fred managed to make the most of his time in school. He had a leading role in several play productions, sang baritone in the choir, played trombone in the band, and he scored the winning shot, right at the buzzer, in the last game of basketball season! He certainly couldn’t help but notice a cute, petite, brunette named Marilyn. After all, she also grew up in Millersport. She was majorette in the band, and cheerleader at his basketball games. Fred and Marilyn worked together at Berry’s restaurant (owned by Marilyn’s family) and Weldon’s Ice Cream Factory. Their relationship as high school sweethearts blossomed into an (almost) 28-year marriage. For Fred & Marilyn, the years were filled with raising young children. Fred enjoyed coaching his kids in sports, and taking family vacations to Ohio, Florida, & Rocky Point Mexico. They also enjoyed square dancing, riding motorcycles on road trips with their friends, and bowling. Although Fred outlived Marilyn by almost 6 decades, she will always be the first blushing beauty who captured his heart. He spent many of his later years expressing his deep gratitude to Marilyn, for giving him the gift of her true, loyal love; and the gift of his big, beautiful family- his most treasured legacy, and most fulfilling accomplishment. Fred’s career in the Police Department was another source of fascinating, and often funny, stories he could tell at family gatherings. He was a hard worker, who was recognized for his performance with promotions. His sons and daughters felt proud of his service, and are grateful that he was a strong provider for the family. While working security at JC Penney’s, Fred met Irlene Stockton who was working in the sporting goods department. Their first date was bowling, followed by dinner at a Mexican restaurant. They planned fun date nights, and both believed they were getting a second opportunity for finding love. Fred and Irlene were married for 33 years. They enjoyed travelling, usually by car or camper. They also enjoyed home improvement projects. And They loved hosting family holidays. They lived in Phoenix, Flagstaff and Prescott Valley, always staying close to their children and grandchildren. Fred was proud that he kept his vows to Irlene, as her caretaker during illness, and his continuing devotion to promises made and keeping her memory alive. Fred’s friends and family, whether they be those who were there at the beginning, in Ohio; or those here now, today… When you ask about the impression Fred has had upon them, there are a few observations that stand out as common amongst all… Fred loved to make people smile. Fred was patriotic. He loved America and felt protective of democracy. Fred would often stand in awe… as he learned of some new adventure, talent, or accomplishment of his grandkids & great grandkids. He would beam with pride when he spoke of them. Fred loved receiving letters, and he was very good at sending them too. He never forgot a birthday. In fact, he was known to be very generous, always willing to help those in need. And Fred loved growing up on the farm, and felt nostalgic for those days- longing to see his parents and his siblings again in the afterlife. We hope that as you remember YOUR time spent, and YOUR unique relationship with him over the years; that it will put a smile on your face, and warmth in your heart. Job well done, Sonny! (or “honey”, “dad”, “papa”, “sarge” -whichever he was to you)