Eugene Lee Vedder, 93, passed away peacefully on December 2nd, 2024, at the Indiana Veteran’s Home in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Born in Fulton County on March 5, 1931, he was the son of Ernest and Clara (Pritz) Vedder. He attended Fulton High School and proudly served in the US Army as a medic during the Korean Conflict from 1952-1953, earning the rank of Corporal and receiving the Army Occupation Medal (Germany) and the National Defense Service Medal in the 28th Infantry Division. He married Norma Townsend on March 28th, 1954.
A lifetime resident of Rochester, Indiana, he co-owned, managed, and worked in many local eating establishments alongside Norma, including the Lakeside Inn, Elks, Moose, Townsend’s IGA, and Akron Country Kitchen. He was an avid IU Hoosier and Indianapolis Colts fan. Gene also enjoyed working in the yard, gardening, playing euchre, spending time with friends and family, and, most of all, holding a cane pole with a bobber and waiting for the panfish to bite.
Surviving are his two daughters: Sandra Vedder (companion Dan Shriver) of Rochester and Kathy Ford (Shawn) of Burlington; two sons: Steven (Traci) of Mountain Home, ID, and Kevin (Holly) of Cookeville, TN; three grandchildren: Stephen (Tanya), Shelby (fiancé Chris Egbert), and Riley Robertson (Justin); and two great-grandchildren, Stephen and Tanis.
His wife, Norma Jean (Townsend); parents, Ernest and Clara; brother Carl; and sisters, Helen Jeanette Raber and Phyllis Dorothy Hinkle, preceded him in passing.
Visitation will be held at the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester, Indiana, from 10:00-12:00 on Friday, December 13, with a celebration of life at noon. Pastor Dr. Mark Spencer will officiate.
Burial will follow in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.
The Fulton County Veteran's Honor Guard and the United States Army Honors Team will accord military honors..
Memorials may be made to the Indiana Veteran’s Home: ATTN: Community Services Director, 3851 N. River Road, West Lafayette, IN 4790
