Frederick Don Nofziger

On Saturday, January 22, 2022, Frederick Don Nofziger, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away at the age of 92. Fred passed at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, FL where he and his wife resided.

Fred was born on November 9, 1929 in Shelby, Ohio. Fred was an award-winning editor and writer for the Toledo Blade Newspaper as well as many other newspapers and magazines for more than 35 years. Fred retired from the Blade in 1991 and did minor editing when called upon. Fred found passion in reading, writing and anything pertaining to education. Fred obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from Adrian College and a Masters from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, he was wise beyond his education. People of all ages and stages of life sought his advice and benefited from his counsel. As a lover of adventure and the outdoors, Fred spent many hours working in his garden. He logged many hours of hiking, tent camping, traveling to different countries, leisurely sightseeing and taking drives just to see what he could see.

Fred was not only known for his writing but for being a great listener, a good story teller, a teacher, a mentor to many and a friend to all. Fred knew no stranger and would converse with anyone who had an ear for listening. His infectious smile and his kind, compassionate spirit drew people to him. During his conversations, he loved to speak his opinions but also offered patience and guidance.

Fred loved nothing more than his time with family. His outings with his wife Hope were among his favorites. Fred’s most infamous stories were of going to Lamaze classes with his daughter, teaching his granddaughters to drive and fish, karate and football with his great grandsons, or the love of photography and the ever-demanding tea parties with his great granddaughters.

Fred met the love of his life at the Toledo Blade and married on February 15, 1975. Fred enjoyed anytime he could spend with his family. Fred precedes in death his father Lester and mother Ruth. He is survived by his wife Hope Nofziger, daughter Pamala Dawson (William Knudsen), two granddaughters Dion Whiteaker (Jason Whiteaker), Alison Rosati (William Rosati), and five great grandchildren Jason Michael Whiteaker II, Alexa Whiteaker, Mia Rosati, William Rosati Jr., and Izabel Rosati. Fred had chosen to be cremated and there will be no services.

Fred was passionate about education and his alma mater Adrian College. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to Adrian College. http://adrian.edu/give/give-today.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Nofziger family.