Fred W. Shininger, age 81 years, of Delta passed away at his home Thursday, August 16, 2018, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born in Defiance County, OH July 11, 1937 to the late Joseph A. and Frances A. (Pahl) Shininger.
He graduated from Ney High School in 1955. Fred served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959. While enlisted, he furthered his education through (USFI) United States Armed Forces Institute and was a radio repairman in the Signal Corp. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Margie Schmitz, whom he married in 1961.
Fred was a life-long farmer raising grain crops, vegetables and livestock. He enjoyed a farming relationship with the Dr. R. L. “Doc” Bay family near Delta, which began in 1963. Fred received his FFA American Farmer Degree, several conservation awards, and was inducted into the Fulton County Ag Hall of Fame in 1996. He was an innovator who embraced challenges. He started a business buying, marketing and delivering wood shavings for animal bedding, which he operated for 45 years.
At the age of 50, he fulfilled a life-long dream and attained his pilots’ license and was soon IFR rated. Additionally, he challenged himself as a teacher, trainer and was a 4-H advisor. He raised mules and was recognized nationwide as a trainer and breeder of English Shepherd Dogs. His other interests included traveling, reading, hunting with hounds, wagon trains and the great outdoors.
Fred encouraged his 6 children and 20 grandchildren to gain a love of music. He played the mandolin in “The Three Generations’ Band” he formed with daughter, Kathy, and family. He was a Board Member of People’s Savings Bank/BancOhio. Fred’s additional service included leadership roles at Holy Trinity Catholic church/school and other community organizations. Fred was a family man and supported all of their endeavors.
He is survived by his devoted wife and their children, Bill (Cindy), Charles (Diane), Cheryl (Mark) Kolb, Kathy (Roy) Miller, Janet (Chris) Gilligan, Jay (Vicky) and 20 grandchildren. Sisters – Ruth Altwies, Marcia Boatman and brothers – Robert and Louis Shininger. Preceding him in death were his 3 sisters – Anna Marie, Rita (Paul) Shinners and Jackie (Paul) Richards.
Friends will be received from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Sunday, August 19, 2018 at Barnes Funeral Chapel, 5825 St Hwy 109 in Delta; where a Vigil Service will begin at 7:30. Friends will also be received from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM on Monday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Assumption; with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery; with Military Rites performed by the Fulton County Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Holy Trinity Catholic Church (To Reduce the School Debt), 2649 US 20, Swanton, Ohio 43558 or the Parkinson Foundation of Northwest Ohio (For Research), 150 West South Boundary, PBM #202, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551 in Fred’s memory.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com.