George Frederick “Fred” Kanzler, 89, of Santa Claus, passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023, just shy of his 90th birthday. Fred was born on February 5, 1933, in South Bend, the only child of the late Emil and Helen (Tableman) Kanzler.
Fred graduated from Bosse High School in 1951 and then enlisted in the United States Navy in 1952, serving in the Korean War. He began as the powder man on the USS Helena and eventually became Chaplain’s Assistant and the ships Librarian. He became an active member of the USS Helena Review singing with the men’s choir and even producing a record album with the choir. He loved his time on the USS Helena, the breathtaking views of the ocean, and the many places he traveled. He always said he would serve again if his country needed him.
Fred was united in marriage with Oma Genell on September 6, 1958. They shared an incredible life together and were married 64 years.
Fred was a member of the United Steelworkers Local 104 and retired from Alcoa after 25 years of service. After he retired, he launched his second career working at the liquor store in Santa Claus for many years. Fred was a social guy. He loved meeting new people. He also enjoyed telling jokes (he was a master at the Dad joke), playing cards, listening to music, watching basketball, and talking about his family. Fred never met a stranger and everywhere he went he easily made friends.
Fred was a member of the Zion’s United Church of Christ in Chrisney and served as a member of the Christmas Lake Village Board.
Survivors include his daughters, Julie (John) Benningfield of Santa Claus and Joni Kanzler (Mark Schroeder) of South Bend; three grandchildren, Shawn Benningfield, Matt Benningfield and Brittany Sollman; eight great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his wife Genell, his parents, his aunt who raised him, Selma Kanzler Tableman, and his stepbrother Bill Wiley.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 10, at Zoercher-Gillick Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Bennett officiating. Burial will follow in Saint Peter’s United Church of Christ Cemetery, in Lamar. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, February 10, at Zoercher-Gillick Funeral Home in Tell City.
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Fred to the Honor Flight of Southern Indiana.
Condolences may be left at zoercher-gillickfuneralhome.com.
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