Dr. Frederick "Fritz" W. Bigler

Dr. Frederick "Fritz" W. Bigler, 92, of Goshen, died Thursday, May 29, 2014, at The Maples at Waterford Crossing. He had been in failing health since Jan. He was born July 4, 1921 in Goshen to Ora and Grace (Greenawalt) Bigler. On June 14, 1947 he married the love of his life, Donna M. Stoller in Goshen. She died April 7, 2009. He is survived by three children, Dr. Michael (Jeanne) Bigler, of Goshen, Nancy (David) Cryer, of Gales Ferry, Conn. and Dr. Robert O. Bigler, of Lafayette; nine grandchildren, Andrew, Daniel, Brian and Blake Bigler, Dyson, Michael and Jacob Cryer, Megan Brooks and Emily Fruehwirth; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and a brother, Richard Bigler. A 1939 graduate of Goshen High School, Dr. Bigler attended both Wabash College and Goshen College before completing his bachelor's degree at Indiana University, Bloomington. He attained his lifelong dream of earning his medical doctorate degree from Indiana University on July 10, 1951. Dr. Bigler served during World War II with the U.S. Army from Sept. 1942 to Dec. 1945 in the 3rd Medical Laboratory in the Pacific Theater. A lifelong member of Goshen City Church of the Brethren, he practiced family medicine from 1951 to 1963 and then a full time anesthesiologist at Goshen Hospital until 1990. He served as Elkhart County coroner from 1968-1976 and as Elkhart County Health Officer from 1990-2001. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 6, 2014, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the 10 a.m. funeral service Saturday, June 7, 2014, at Goshen City Church of the Brethren. Pastor Steve Norton will officiate. Memorial contributions may be given to Goshen City Church of the Brethren. Burial will follow in Violett Cemetery.