Frederick "Fred" David Waldock

SANDUSKY — Frederick David "Fred" Waldock died peacefully on Feb. 27, 2022, in Sandusky, Ohio, at the age of 92. Fred was born on Jan. 29, 1930, in Sandusky, Ohio, to Frederick Philip and Sara (Johns) Waldock. Fred graduated from Sandusky High School in 1947. He went on to graduate with a bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University in 1951, then continued his education at Ohio State earning his juris doctorate degree in 1954. Fred married Mary Margaret Speers, his high school sweetheart, on July 9, 1958. Returning to Sandusky, Fred opened his practice on Market Street next to the former Ohio Theater. As his practice began to grow, he merged with Didelius, Holzapfel, Buckingham and Waldock which then merged to become Buckingham, Holzapfel, Zeiher, Waldock and Schell in 1984 with offices in Sandusky, Milan and Vermilion. He retired as senior partner from the firm in 2005. Fred and Mary Margaret were blessed with three children. Their first child was a son born on Dec. 25, 1961, and sadly died two days later. They were then blessed with two more children, a daughter, Ellen (Ed), and a son, Rick. Fred was also blessed with two grandsons, Wilson and Samuel Sturzinger. After the death of Mary Margaret, Fred married Dorothy Sheffer. In each other, they found companionship, love and devotion enjoying every moment together. Dottie and Fred looked forward to winters in Florida and Hilton Head and were able to travel with Rick through the Caribbean during his time with Princess Cruise lines. Their marriage was truly blessed with the love and support of a large and extended family sharing in the love of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. From a young age Fred and his cousins, Bill and Jack Waldock, were introduced and immersed in shooting and hunting, spending falls in the marshes of Sandusky Bay with their fathers hunting the waterfowl of Lake Erie. Fred continued to hunt throughout his life with good friends in Ohio and on the Eastern Shore of Maryland for many falls. Fred's avid love of shooting led him to compete in trap. He became one of the most accomplished trap shooters in the nation from the mid-1940s through 1961. Among his accomplishments were the junior clay target champion in 1946 and 1947, and he won many trophies in Grand American competition, including Class AA champion in 1952; clay target champion of North America in 1953 and the Dayton Homecoming and introductory singles in 1957. In 1958, he was Class AA champion in the Dayton Homecoming, the class singles championship, as well as the champion of champions. Fred also claimed the Ohio State Tournament singles champion in 1955, 1958, and 1960 and was the all-around champion of the 1959 Ohio State Shoot. Fred was the singles champion in 1959 and the all-around champion at the central zone tournament. His proudest moment in shooting was teaming with his father and three others to set a world record by breaking 995 out of 1,000 in the team squad target. Fred also set a record in the late '50s for the most 200 straight runs in Grand American competition, with nine during a seven-year stretch. His career was celebrated when he was honored with his induction into the Ohio Trap Shooters Hall of Fame on June 27, 1998. Fred was a life member of the American Trap Association and the Okoboji Indians, shooting organization. As a member of Grace Episcopal Church, Fred was active in the Vestry, the finance committee, and was past senior warden. Through his law practice in Sandusky, Fred was an affiliate of both the Ohio and Erie Country Bar Associations. In addition to his practice, Fred was an active Rotarian and past president of the Sandusky Rotary Club. With the inception of The Savings Building and Loan Company, he was one of the board of directors. In addition to his love of shooting, Fred enjoyed playing golf and was a lifelong member of Plum Brook Country Club. Through his love of golf, Fred co-chaired the American Cancer Society golf tournament for a good 10 years raising thousands for the local chapter. Fred was also a lifelong member of the Sandusky Yacht Club. Fred is survived by his wife, Dorothy Sheffer Waldock, whom he married in October 2009; children, Ellen (Ed) Sturzinger and Frederick "Rick" F. Waldock; grandchildren, Wilson and Samuel Sturzinger; and stepchildren, Douglas (Linda) Sheffer and David Sheffer. Fred was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Margaret Waldock; an infant son; his father, Frederick Philip Waldock; his mother, Sara (Johns) Waldock; sister, Sara Jane Seitz; brother-in-law, David Seitz; father-in-law, Ray Speers; mother-in-law, Mary Bender Speers; brother-in-law, Zep Porterfield; and other relatives. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of memorial services, at 11 a.m., on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Grace Episcopal Church, 315 Wayne St., Sandusky. Rev. Dr. Brian K. Wilbert will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Fred's life. Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Stein Hospice Services, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870, Cancer Services of Erie County, 505 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870 or to Grace Episcopal Church, 315 Wayne St., Sandusky, OH 44870. Condolences may be shared at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.