Thaddeus G. Freshwater

Thaddeus G. "Thad" Freshwater, 87, of the Country Club Retirement Center and formerly of S. James Street, Dover died Sunday morning, May 27, 2012 in Union Hospital following a brief illness.

Born June 28, 1924 in New Philadelphia, the son of the late James A. and Idella May (Everhart) Freshwater.

Thad was a retired inspector of I.F. Mfg. Co. (Ridge Tool) in New Philadelphia for over 30 years.

He was a longtime member of the St. John's United Church of Christ in Dover. He was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. A 1942 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He and his wife, Carol traveled to every state in the U.S. except Hawaii. They were members of the Buckeye Bacon Burners traveling and camping club. His family will always remember him as a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and he made sure that they never missed a yearly family vacation. In his youth, he participated on the Soap Box Derby and over the years continued his support as a spectator. He had many enjoyments and interests in his life including playing the card games of jass, gin rummy, and euchre and could often be found in front of the television or radio cheering on his Cleveland Indians. In every sporting event or contest, Thad always cheered for the underdog. He fondly recalled his first job of carrying the XTRA newspaper. He lived his life with a constant smile on his face and was a friend to anyone he ever met.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Carol (Varns) Freshwater with whom he would have celebrated 63 years of marriage this Nov. 24; three children Greg (Connie) Freshwater of Grand Junction, Colorado, Sherry (Bill) Huenemann of Minden, Nebraska and John (Nancy) Freshwater of Mt. Vernon, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Thad (Megan) Huenemann, Ben Huenemann, Allison Huenemann, Luke (Megan) Freshwater, Sarah Freshwater, Jordan Freshwater, and Emme Brown and one brother, Les (Beverly) Freshwater of New Philadelphia.

He was preceded in death by four sisters, Grace Dessecker, Ruth Shaeffer, Susan Renner, and Eleanor Renner and three brothers, Bill, Raymond, and James Freshwater.

A funeral celebrating Thad's life will be held Friday, June 1, 2012 at 1pm in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover with Rev. Gene Kraus officiating. Interment will be in the Dover Burial Park where the New Philadelphia VFW will conduct military honors. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 5-7pm. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Thad may sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. John's United Church of Christ, 409 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622, Country Club Retirement Center Activity Fund, 860 E. Iron Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622, or Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663


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