Vance D. “The Wheel” Frederick, 88, of Nappanee, Ind., died at 4:50 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012, at Bremen Healthcare Center.

He was born May 18, 1924, in Wakarusa, Ind., to Lowell and Inah (Miller) Frederick.  He lived his lifetime in this area. He was a graduate of Bremen High School and served in the United States Army.

On April 3, 1949, he married Mary Helen Walters, who survives.

He was a Life Insurance Agent in Nappanee for 55 years and was well known in the community. Vance was a member of the Nappanee United Methodist Church, Nappanee American Legion, and a member and past president of Nappanee Noon Kiwanis. He was also a former member of the Nappanee City Council and he was one of the founders and served on the board at the Nappanee Airport.

He was very instrumental in starting the golf course in Nappanee, and was an avid golfer. He also was a licensed pilot, and enjoyed bowling and fishing.

He is survived by his wife: Mary Helen Walters; a daughter: Cheryl (Joe) White, Middlebury, Ind.; a son: Charles Frederick, Nappanee; grandchildren: Justin, Jeremy, Jordan Frederick and Allison Risser; and a step-granddaughter: Aisha White.

He was preceded in death by a sister: June Davis.

The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Union Center Cemetery with Military Rites performed by the Nappanee American Legion.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Nappanee United Methodist Church or to the Nappanee American Legion.