Ned Henry Fedderke, lovingly known by many for his quick wit, warm heart, and unforgettable humor, was born on October 6, 1950, in Defiance to Charles and Ruth Fedderke. Throughout his life, Ned was known as a man who could make people laugh in the middle of ordinary moments, always with a joke ready and a smile that could lighten any room. Whether he was introducing himself as “Fed Nedderke” with that familiar grin or striking up a conversation with someone he had just met, he truly never knew a stranger.

On June 13, 1970, he married the love of his life, Nancy (Ripke) Fedderke. Their marriage became a testimony of steadfast love, loyalty, perseverance, and faith. Through every season of life, Ned loved Nancy deeply and faithfully. Together they built a home rooted in love, laughter, hard work, and most importantly, Jesus Christ.

Ned was a devoted father to Shawn (Stacie) Fedderke, Kelly (Jerry) Higbea, and Jessica (Shane) Wolfrum. He was a proud grandfather to Breanne, Morgan, Erynn, Caytlin, Drew, Luke, Nick, Casen, and Conor, and was additionally blessed with 10 great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ruth Fedderke; his brothers, Dennis (Elaine) Fedderke and Gary (Judy) Fedderke; and his sister, Roxanne (Sam) Alabata. He is survived by his brothers, Dan (Nora) Fedderke and Bill Fedderke, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends.

Ned graduated from Tinora High School in 1969. He worked at General Motors Powertrain in Defiance from 1969 until 1995. He was a hardworking man who provided faithfully for his family and carried a strong sense of responsibility and dedication throughout his life.

Outside of work, he loved hunting, fishing, playing softball, coaching baseball and playing cards. He loved being outdoors, loved competition, and loved being around people. He was also a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and the Pittsburgh Steelers, teams he followed with loyalty and pride, always ready to talk about a game or share his opinion on how things should have gone. Whether it was baseball or football, he loved the tradition, the toughness, and the history behind the teams he rooted for. He also took tremendous pride in his home and yard, always making sure everything was cared for, beautiful, and welcoming. The care he put into his home reflected the kind of man he was faithful, hardworking, and deeply devoted to the people he loved. But more than any hobby or pastime, Ned loved his family. He was the kind of father who could be tough at times because he believed in raising his children with strength, character, and integrity, but he loved even harder than he disciplined. Beneath his toughness was a man whose heart was fiercely devoted to his family. His children always knew they were loved, protected, and prayed for.

Ned and Nancy gave their children something far greater than material things, they gave them a firm foundation in faith. They raised their family knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, teaching by both word and example what it meant to trust God through every circumstance of life. That legacy of faith will continue through generations because of the seeds they faithfully planted.

Throughout his life, Ned endured and overcame hardships that many would not have survived. He battled years of chronic pain with resilience and determination, and later faced lung cancer with remarkable courage. He was a fighter in every sense of the word. Even knowing where his eternal home was, he fought to remain with the people he loved for as long as the Lord allowed. His strength came not only from perseverance, but from the peace he carried in knowing exactly where he was going.

In these final days, Isaiah 61 has been a lifeline for the family, a reminder that through Christ there is beauty for ashes, joy in the midst of sorrow, and the covering of His righteousness through the New Covenant in Jesus Christ. Through every hardship, every battle, and every season of pain, Ned continued to stand strong in the faith he helped build his family upon. Even as his earthly body grew weary, his spirit remained anchored in the peace and promises of God. While grief is real, so is the overwhelming peace that comes from knowing where his eternal home is. The family rests in the promise that Ned’s faith has now become sight, and that because of Jesus Christ, death is not the end of his story, but the beginning of everlasting life in the presence of the Savior he trusted so deeply. Though hearts grieve his absence here, there is comfort in knowing he is finally healed, finally whole, and forever at peace in the arms of the Lord.

The Lord blessed so many through Ned’s life, as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, coworker, and faithful friend. He was a man whose presence brought strength to those around him. Through his laughter, stories, humor, unwavering work ethic, steadfast determination, and fierce love for his family, he left a mark on countless lives that time will never erase. He led by example, teaching those he loved the value of hard work, resilience, loyalty, and faith. To his family, he was a protector, a provider, a source of wisdom and strength, and a constant reminder of what it means to love deeply and stand firm through life’s battles. Though his absence will be felt profoundly, the legacy he built through his faith, his love, and the life he lived will continue on for generations to come.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 2-8 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A service to celebrate Ned's life will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 27th at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Napoleon Township, 16976 County Road Q1, Napoleon, Ohio, with Pastor Dan Dapelo officiating. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church. Ned will be laid to rest in Brunersburg Cemetery.

Please offer memorial contributions to Elara Caring Hospice. 

“...to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness...” - Isaiah 61:3