Mr. Frederick Roland "Fred" Stave, age 78, of Patriot, Indiana, died on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at the University of Cincinnati Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. Fred was born on June 1, 1940 in South Bend, Indiana to German immigrant parents, Fred and Paula (Schifferdecker) Stave. During his youth he spent summers in Europe with his parents' families where he became fluent in German and developed an international view of the world. He became one of the youngest licensed amateur radio operators at the age 12 and forever known as W9NIO amassing 340+ countries and attaining several awards. He was passionate about his engineering studies at Purdue and Butler University working on an master of business administration along with his love for ham radio, photography, Corvettes, and eventually Harley Davidson motorcycles. Fred met his high school sweetheart Sondra Haack during his senior year at John Adams High School in South Bend where he graduated in 1958. After proposing to Sondra he went off to Purdue University where he received his bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering in 1962. The long distant relationship was not on their side and the wedding was called off. Fred married Judith Enyart in 1962 and welcomed their two children, Eric and Cheryl. After 20 years of marriage they parted with Fred later reuniting with Sondra in 1982. They married in 1983 and resided in Indianapolis, Indiana. Fred became the stable, beloved father figure for Sondra’s two children, Dwayne and Audra Platz; this “Modern Family” was ahead of their time. His esteemed 25-year career began at RCA working at Sherman Drive and Rockville Road plants as well as Princeton Labs in New Jersey being awarded the prestigious David Sarnoff Award in 1981 for Outstanding Technical Achievement for his groundbreaking work on RCA’s Video Disc Player. He later co-founded the Indianapolis-based surgical instruments start-up company, NOETIX, Inc. and after 8 years left to become Director of Advanced Technology Development at Whirlpool Corporation for 10 years relocating to St. Joe Michigan heading up operations in Northern Italy and San Paulo Brazil. During their many weekend trips to Switzerland County, Fred and Sondra fell for the picturesque hills, scenic Ohio River, tranquil landscape and its big-hearted community and “retired” in Patriot, Indiana. With a desire to give back to his new community, Fred became involved with friends of the Hoosier Theater and in no time was asked to join their board. Simultaneously, he pursed his passion for woodworking and founded Goose Creek Enterprises crafting exquisite handmade heirloom rocking horses. After a few years he was lured back into the workforce becoming an Engineering Consultant for Hussmann. His passion for others can be seen throughout his life by many of his accomplishments establishing Explorer Scouts (a mentoring program for high school youth interested in engineering), Chair for the Herrick Labs Industrial Advisory Committee at Purdue, served on the National Advisory Committee for Triangle Fraternity, contributed to the Switzerland County’s Economic Redevelopment Committee and helped establish the United Fund for Switzerland County securing over $200,000 in grants for various local non-profit organizations. He was instrumental in the revitalization of the Hoosier Theater and served on their board for 10 years. Fred always found time for others and was a role model for his children, grandchildren and countless friends. He loved being with his family, especially during the holidays and birthdays, and was always helping friends in need.

Fred will be deeply missed by his wife of 35 years, Sondra Sue (Haack) Stave of Patriot, IN; his son, Eric Stave and his wife, Cindy of Rescue, CA; his daughter, Cheryl Stave of Greenfield, IN; his step-son, Dwayne Platz of El Segundo, CA his step-daughter, Audra Platz of Manhattan Beach, CA; his grandchildren, Erica and Andrew Stave, Hannah Dewey and Georgia Hughes and his abundance of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Paula (Schifferdecker) Stave.

Celebration of Fred's life will be conducted Saturday, August 18, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., by Bro. Steve Ward at the Hoosier Theater, 209 Ferry Street Vevay, Indiana 47043.

Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 18, 2018, at the Hoosier Theater, 209 Ferry Street Vevay, Indiana 47043.

Reception to follow at the Jack Sullivan Senior Center, 305 Walnut Street, Vevay, Indiana 47043.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made out to the Hoosier Theater or Triangle Fraternity Cincinnati Chapter. Cards are available at the funeral home or online at www.haskellandmorrison.com

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