Frederick D. Stauffer

Frederick Dale Stauffer (known as “Fred” or “Fritz”), 94, of Berne, Indiana, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Swiss Village. Born July 31, 1930, in Berne, he was the son of the late Menno E. and Hulda (Gilliom) Stauffer. He was united in marriage to Claudette Nagel on September 1, 1951, at First Mennonite Church in Berne, and she preceded him in death on June 18, 2022.

Fred graduated from Berne High School in 1948 and completed training at DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago for TV and radio repair. Places of employment included Schindler Electric, General Electric Factory Service in Fort Wayne (nearly 13 years), and Habegger Furniture (50 years), where he serviced TVs and appliances, delivered furniture, and worked on the sales floor. He was a faithful member of First Mennonite Church, where his love of music led to his involvement in the Mennonite Men’s Chorus, Chancel Choir, Praise Ensemble, and the Mennonite Choral Society, in which he sang the Messiah for 74 years. He also served as a song leader, participated on the Worship Commission and in the Radio Ministry, sang in several quartets, and for more than 40 years sang duets with Byron Fox. He often sang baritone solos, including for the oratorios Handel’s Messiah, Dubois’ The Seven Last Words of Christ, and the trio in Haydn’s The Creation in Fort Wayne and Berne. Additionally, he sang in the Edelweiss Singers and was still singing with the Swiss Village Singers and preparing for a solo when he passed.

Fred loved being with family and was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was very devoted to his wife of 70 years, Claudette, especially as a caregiver, the last twelve years of her life. They frequently took walks together, visited with friends, and enjoyed growing and taking care of beautiful flowers both at home and at the church.

Survivors include children, Bob (Judy) Stauffer of Harlan, Indiana, Diane Stauffer of West Palm Beach, Florida, and Mike (Erin) Stauffer of Indianapolis, Indiana; two grandchildren, Nate (Becca) Stauffer of Harlan, Indiana, and Ryan (Katie) Stauffer of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and five great-grandchildren, Kade, Lila, Brandon, Kayla, and Jacob. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Jim Stauffer, and a sister, Elsie Jane Roth.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the First Mennonite Church in Berne, Indiana, with Pastor Jeff Linthicum and Pastor Jim Schwartz officiating. Burial will follow at M.R.E. Cemetery. The service will be live-streamed and can be accessed by using the link www.firstmennonite.org.

Visitation will be from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 8, 2025, at the Swiss Village Chapel, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Preferred memorials may be made to the Swiss Village Samaritan Fund or the Mennonite Choral Society. 

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel of Berne, Indiana