Robert Fetter, 94, Vero Beach
Robert Fetter, of Vero Beach, passed away on July 15, 2018, at the age of 94 with his wife of 67 years, Audrey, by his side. Bob was born in Berwyn, Ill., and has lived in Vero Beach for the past 22 years.
He earned a B.S. in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech, and both an MBA and DBA from Indiana University, and served in the Navy during WWII. He taught Operations Research for nearly 50 years, including 31 years at Yale University, from which he retired as the Harold H. Hines, Jr. Professor of Health Care Management.
Bob was widely recognized for his contribution to conceiving, developing and implementing Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs), and in 1992 was awarded the Baxter Foundation Prize in Health Services Research for his work.
He was the author of many publications, including the seminal textbook (with E. H. Bowman) in operations research.
Bob loved to ski, and spent many happy years on the slopes of Vermont, Colorado, Switzerland and France with his family.
During a sabbatical year with the World Health Organization in Geneva, he developed a passion for wine, which he brought back to Yale, even adding a wine tasting seminar to his list of educational offerings.
Family cruises became his favorite vacation in his later years, he enjoyed tennis and golf, and he played expert bridge until just weeks before his death.
Bob is survived by his wife of 67 years, Audrey Fetter (nee Lillard), his children Sarah Robinson of Boston, Mass., Bob Fetter, of Denver, Colo., and Martha Austin of Norwich, Vt.; and seven grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, gifts to Bob’s memory can be made through the Virginia Tech Foundation to benefit his named scholarship in the Corps of Cadets. Please make checks payable to the Virginia Tech Foundation, in the memo line list the VTCCA Robert B. Fetter Scholarship and mail to Attn: Sandi Bliss, 902 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061.
There will be a celebration of his life Saturday, July 21, from 5-6 p.m. at Oak Harbor Club in Vero Beach.
Catherine Janzer Folz, 92, Vero Beach
Catherine Janzer Folz, 92, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister passed away July 18, 2018. Born Dec. 12, 1925, Catherine lived much of her life in Miami and Pembroke Pines before retiring in Vero Beach, where she lived for over 30 years.
After completing business school, Catherine was employed as a secretary on the 26th floor of the Empire State Building. She grew up playing the piano, had a beautiful singing voice, and loved to dance. She was sweet, kind, and charitable. She was involved in her local community, handmade rosaries for her church, and volunteered for numerous organizations including March of Dimes and Meals on Wheels for many years.
She was married to the love of her life, Daniel Folz, for 68 years. Together they loved to travel, play cards, and go to the beach. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her four granddaughters. She will be dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the long happy life the Lord blessed her with.
She is predeceased by her parents, Henry and Anna Janzer.
Survivors include her loving husband, Daniel Folz; daughters, Gail Pawlowski (Michael) and Lois Koenig (Paul); son, Daniel Folz (Barbara); granddaughters, Alexa Pawlowski (Tyler Mefford), Caitlin Pawlowski, Kristen Koenig, and Megan Koenig; brother, Henry Janzer (Irene); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 21, from 10-10:30 a.m. at Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, followed by mass at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church at 11 a.m. in Vero Beach.
Ralph L. Royal, 81, Vero Beach
Ralph L. Royal, 81, of Vero Beach, passed away after a long illness. A lifelong Christian, he joined Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 19, 2018.
As a child he was a member of the Community Church and the Methodist Church of Fellsmere. When his children were born and dedicated, he joined the First Baptist Church of Vero Beach and was baptized.
He was born at home in 1936, the youngest of five children of Bernice Franklin and Ruth Hall Royal. Ralph graduated from Fellsmere High School in 1955. He attended Embry-Riddle in Miami, earning his aircraft mechanic certification, and then volunteered for the U.S. Army.
Ralph worked at Paul’s Aircraft Service for two years, Piper Aircraft for 29 years, and Sun Aviation for 12 years before retiring.
Ralph never knew a stranger and would talk to anyone who was friendly. Having always lived in the state, he often quipped that he was a third-generation Florida cracker, and joked that he’d know he was still alive if he hadn’t seen his name in the newspaper. He still hasn’t seen it, and remains alive in our hearts and memories as a providing father and loving husband.
As Ralph loved to say, keep ’em flyin!
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Marjorie Kay Clark Royal; sons, James Franklin Royal (wife, Maranatha Joy Hayes), of Alexandria, Va., and John Alan Royal, of Vero Beach; granddaughter, Hayle Royal Bogin, of Vero Beach; and many nephews.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Charlotte Law (Willard); and brothers, Bill Royal (Evelyn), Harold Royal (Bea), and Thomas Royal.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer and Parkinson Association, 2300 5th Avenue Suite 150, Vero Beach, FL 32960 in memory of Ralph L. Royal.
Visitation will be held at 2-2:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 22, at Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian, followed by a Celebration of his life at 2:30 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Cliff Hayes, officiating.
A Private committal service will follow at Sebastian Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, FL 32958.
Barbara F. Williams, 87, Vero Beach
Barbara F. Williams, 87, entered into rest on July 19, 2018, at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach. Barbara Williams was born in Cheboygan, Mich. Barbara and her husband, George, retired after selling their architectural practice in New Jersey, moving to Vero Beach in 2000.
Barbara was an avid animal lover and volunteered many hours at the local animal shelters/facilities. Barbara’s real passion was helping children and generously contributed to those in need. She was also a long time member of the Moorings Club.
She was a graduate of Cheboygan High School in Cheboygan.
Survivors include her nieces, Jill Rogala and Rebecca Janis; among other family members and close friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George Williams; sisters Ruth Bodary and Una Malin; and brothers, Jerry Fisher, Johnny Fisher and Todd Christian.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Indian River County Humane Society or the H.A.L.O. Rescue Shelter.