Fredric C. Spurck

Fredric C. Spurck, 70, of Marblehead, formerly of Tiffin, Ohio passed away peacefully on March 27th, 2018, at his home surrounded by his family. Fred was born May 22nd, 1947, in Galion, Ohio, to Clyde and Elizabeth (Riter) Spurck.  He married Deborah (Smith) Oct. 18, 1969, in Galion and they celebrated 46 years of marriage together.

Survivors include his son, Nicholas (Michelle) Spurck of Tiffin, his two grandchildren, Andrea (aka Bean) and Emma (aka Sprout) both of Tiffin; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Donna (Smith) Alexander, his beloved friend and companion, Louise Zoeller, a niece, nephews and his faithful black lab, Max.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife and brothers.

Fred was a 1965 graduate of Galion High School and after a brief attempt at college and football enlisted in the United States Navy from 1967 until 1973.  He was stationed on both the USS Forrestal (CV-59) and USS Independence (CV-62) which stand out among his other assignments.  After the Navy, Fred graduated in 1976, from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration and Accounting.  He became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 1976 and worked for Deloite, Haskins & Sells from 1975 to 1978.  In 1978 he was recruited to Webster Industries and moved Debbie and Nick to Tiffin in 1979.

Fred faithfully served Webster Industries in various positions including Controller & Treasurer (1978-1983), President and C.E.O. from 1983-2010, was Chairman of the Board of Directors retiring at the annual meeting in April 2017.  Along with his management team, he was responsible for establishing the employee ownership structure that has yielded significant employee value since 1986.

During his time at Webster he established himself as a driving force and industry leader of the Power Transmission, American Chain, Conveyor Equipment, and North American mid-sized manufacturing associations.  He used experiences and knowledge gained from The Ohio State University (MBA 1983) and Stanford Executive MBA (1994) to encourage and foster pride in company and work, execution at the highest level, and empowering the entrepreneurial spirit.  In 2007, he was inducted into the N.W. Ohio Entrepreneurial & Business Excellence Hall of Fame.  Feeling strongly about treating people the way he himself would like to be treated, Fred frequently stated his desire was “to leave Webster better than when he found it.”  That goal was accomplished and more.  His leadership allowed the people of Webster to thrive as an employee owned organization and the community of Tiffin to markedly improve for the 40 years he worked and lived here.

Fred was active in the community from the first day he moved to Tiffin.  Fred attended the First Lutheran Church. He enjoyed coaching his son’s little league baseball team.  He was a Director of Industrial Banc Corp, President Tiffin YMCA Community Center, Director Tiffin Chamber of Commerce, a co-founder of the Tiffin Charitable Foundation, the Charles “Bud” Hering scholarship fund, President of Mohawk Golf & Country Club and Director Duck’s Unlimited, as well as Director Sweeney Marsh, Inc.  He was still active as Chairman of the Webster Foundation and Director of The Humane Society of Seneca County which held a special place in both he and Debbie’s hearts.

Fred’s love was his family, country, friends and the outdoors.  He was a Buckeye fan from his student days as a team tutor, competitive golfer, enjoyed fishing with the family, and was an avid duck hunter in his past time.  One never had to ask Fred how he really felt and his laugh was contagious, and hope it will stay in our memories throughout the remainder of our days.

Calling hours will be 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 6, 2018, at Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883 (419) 447-3113.  Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, April 7, 2018, at the funeral home.  Burial will follow with military rites at Broken Sword Cemetery.  A reception will be held following the service from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Saturday, at Reino's Catering Room, 120 S. Washington Street, Tiffin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Seneca County, 2811 SR 100, Tiffin, OH 44883 or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

For directions, out of town flowers orders, to view the Celebration of Life video, or to offer condolences to the family, go to: www.traunerofuneralhome.com