Frederick Eugene Ammerman, Sr.

Frederick Eugene Ammerman, Sr., 92, Denver, Indiana, passed away at 10:57 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at his residence.

Born May 5, 1934, in Peru, Indiana, he was the son of George Frederick and Mathilda Marie Elizabeth (Uhlig) Ammerman. He was married to G. Sue Dickerhoff on May 31, 1952, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church parsonage in Peru.

Fred was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Peru, Indiana. He was a self-employed mechanic and ran a transmission shop out of his home for many years in addition to driving a school bus for North Miami Community Schools. He had been honored for his service as a bus driver for saving the life of a student who was choking. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed building aquariums. He loved spending time in the garden, starting plants in his greenhouse and seeing them through the canning season when he would preserve his harvest for the winter. He was a sports fan and enjoyed watching the Cubs, Pacers, and Colts, and had bowled for many years on the church’s bowling team. Fred was a music lover, and he was the proud manager of the Almost Country band for forty years…whether it was driving the bus, keeping the books, or running the soundboard, he was willing to step in and fill any role where he was needed.

Family time was the most important for Fred. When his kids were growing up, he would look forward to having saved enough gas money to take them to visit new places or see the ocean. He would do anything for his family and loved every moment he was able to spend with them. He loved camping, and it was much more special when his family could join along. He spent many wonderful trips to the campground in southern Indiana.

Survivors include 6 children, Elaine Pavey, Peru; Peggy Hyde, Tipton; Linda (Mike) Rody, Denver; Craig (Kathy) Ammerman, Akron; Kimberly (Fred) Hetzner, Macy; and Becky (Jerry) Honeycutt, Rochester; daughter-in-law, Juel Ammerman, Peru; 16 grandchildren, Michell (Dave) Fiscus, Kelly (Tom) Maynard, Tamara (Dane) Cook, Shawna (Chris) Strong, Troy (Jeanette) Pavey, Kent (Jenn) Ireland, Jr., Lisa Ammerman, Amy Lozano, Heather Hyde (Russell Fivecoate), Ashley (Nick) Bruder, Tonia (Jason) Harrold, Timothy (Hannah) Prodan II, Lacy (Donnie) Schwenk, April Ammerman, Evan (Taylor) Friedersdorf, Ethan (Keeli) Friedersdorf, and Brett DePoy; five step-grandchildren, Brandon (Danielle) Hyde, Leeanne Rody, Alan (Jemma) Hetzner, Dan (Brandi) Hetzner, and Heather (Brad) Waits; 52 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his little dog, Mella Bella, who was especially important and kept him company after the passing of his companion, Mary Arwood, whom he shared many years with after Sue’s death.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue; son, Frederick Eugene “Freddie” Ammerman Jr.; son-in-law, Lance Hyde; grandchildren, Shannon Zehner, Leroy Ammerman, Cole Hyde, and Audrey Ammerman; step-granddaughter, Erin Greer; and his companion, Mary Arwood.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, November 9 2026, at McClain Funeral Home, with Pastor Joshua Dub officiating. Burial will follow in Westlawn Cemetery, Denver, Indiana.

Visitation will be from will be held from 2-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 8,  2026, at the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Peru.

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences can be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com.