Fred Aukerman, Jr., 81, a resident of Otterbein Saint Marys Retirement Community, died Wednesday, January 25, 2012, at Mercer County Community Hospital. He had formerly lived in Findlay.

He was born August 19, 1930, in Wabash, Indiana, the son of Fred H. B. and Ruby (Keefer) Aukerman.

He married Arline E. Hawn on June 5, 1955, at the Oak Grove Church of God in Columbia City, Indiana. She survives at the residence in Saint Marys.

He is also survived by two sons: Hugh (Sue) Aukerman of Celina; Roger (Deb) Aukerman of Normal, Illinois; a daughter, Betty (Brad) Kennedy of Wooster, Ohio; by his four grandchildren: Heidi Aukerman; Linda Sharples; Amanda Aukerman; and Bryan Kennedy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Charles Aukerman; a sister, Anna Lou Aukerman. 

Fred graduated from the Linlawn High School in Wabash and the International Business College in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was a decorated veteran of the United States Navy, having served during the Korean War. He retired from the Marathon Oil Company in Findlay, where he was an accountant.

He was a member of the DAV and Hanna Lodge #61, Free and Accepted Masons in Wabash. He enjoyed fishing, working with model trains, wood working and he faithfully served the Boy Scouts as an adult leader in Findlay for many years. He will be missed by the family that he loved.

He was a member of the Churches of God, Great Lakes Conference and served as an administrator and past president of the conference.

Funeral rites will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 28, 2012, in the Meyer Community Chapel on the campus of Otterbein Saint Marys, the Reverend Richard Van Horn, officiant. Full military honors will be observed at Otterbein Saint Marys following the funeral rites.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 until 11:00 Saturday at the Meyer Community Chapel.

Burial rites will be held at 3:30 p.m.at the Compton Cemetery in Columbia City, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Otterbein Saint Marys Benevolent Fund or to Camp Otyokwah, Church of God.