Frederick Earl Strong

Frederick Earl Strong, 76, Greenfield, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, with family by his side. Fred was born on March 30, 1949, in Indianapolis, to Wayne E. and Elizabeth May (Hartsock) Strong. He was a 1967 graduate of Peru High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1968-1971. On July 1, 1979, he married his wife, Susan Jo Gerrish.

Fred cherished his roles as a husband, father, and grandfather. Family was the world to him. Fred was a friend to everyone he met; he never forgot a name or face. Fred was an avid bowler, nearly professional, and enjoyed golfing. He loved playing cards, doing daily crossword puzzles with Susan, and lending a hand to anyone who needed household maintenance or handyman work completed. He and Susan have spent their winters in Destin, FL, for the last 26 years, enjoying the sun, sand and absence of snow. He and Susan travelled extensively across the U.S. and Canada in their RV. Fred was a dedicated member of the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, VFW, American Legion, and telephone Pioneers. He attended Brandywine Community Church.

He was employed with Indiana Bell for 30 years, in many roles, and finally as their E911 Project Manager in Indianapolis, before retiring at the age of 48, in 1997.

Fred is survived by his loving wife Susan of 46 years; children, Tim (Holly) Strong, Jason (Rachel) Strong, and Lori (Rodney) Kupstas, Lisa and Nick; grandchildren: Logan Strong, Brooklynn (Nolan) Hill, Isabella Strong, Betsy Strong, and Madison (Jacob) Scott; several great-grandchildren; siblings, Rod Strong, Claudia Hendrickson, and Dennis (April) Strong; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Phil Strong.

Visitation will be on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Stillinger Family Funeral Home, 1780 West Main Street, Greenfield, with the service immediately following at 1:30 p.m., officiated by Pastor Matt Wickham. Burial will follow in Park Cemetery, Greenfield, with full military rites afforded. Memorial contributions may be made to VFW Post #2693 in Memory of Fred Strong. If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.stillingerfamily.com