Fred D. Bisplinghoff's Obituary
Dr. Fred DeWitt Bisplinghoff, age 91, passed away on December 7, 2015, in Fort Myers, Florida. Fred was born on September 5, 1924 in Chaffee, Missouri, to the late Fred Bisplinghoff and Mary DeWitt Bisplinghoff. He worked hard as a boy and young man, helping his family make ends meet. This time in his life instilled a very strong work ethic in him, one he carried with him forever. He became a Mason at a young age, and was a member of the Methodist church throughout his life. Fred served proudly in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. In 1945 he married Georgianna (Georgia) Emily Cross. They moved to Columbia, Missouri where he studied at The University of Missouri, graduating as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1952. He had a large animal practice in Linneus, Missouri for five years, before relocating to Peoria, Illinois and embarking on a lifelong career in the rendering industry. In 1985 he and Georgia moved to Florida, and spent 15 years enjoying life on Fort Myers Beach, after which they moved to Legends Country Club in Fort Myers. Dr. Fred, as he was known throughout the rendering industry, was a leader, an innovator and a man of science. He served as president of The National Renderers Association, and during his tenure traveled literally around the world, opening up trade in the industry between the U.S. and other countries. He received many awards from around the world as a result of his many contributions to the industry. Shortly before his passing he received the newly the inaugural Don Franco Distinguished Service Award from The National Renderers Association. In his personal life Fred was a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was devoted to his family, working hard all his life to ensure their happiness and security. Fred is survived by his son Fred Jr. (Susi); his daughter Suzanne; grandchildren Jennifer Gentry, Noah (Julie) Cornick, Amy Bisplinghoff, and Fred (Brandi) Bisplinghoff III; great-grandchildren Miranda Gentry and Cole Bisplinghoff, nieces, nephews and many friends who will miss him dearly. Fred is predeceased in death by his parents, his brother Bill Bisplinghoff, and his sister Mary Anna Parham. A celebration of Fred’s life will be held on Friday, December 11, 2015, at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens, 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers FL 33907. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 1:00, with services beginning at 1:00.
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