Myron Everette Alderfer
Sept. 13, 1922-July 15, 2010
Myron Everette Alderfer, 87, of 2321 Waterview Drive, Rochester, passed away at 4:20 p.m. Thursday surrounded by his loving family at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
Myron was born, one of 12 children, in Richland Center on Sept. 13, 1922, to the late Carl and Ruth Ault Alderfer. He was a proud graduate of Richland Center High School, a member of the Class of 1940. Patriotism beckoned him to serve our country during World War II. He served with the U.S. Army. On June 6, 1943, in Rochester, Myron took the hand of his lovely bride Kathryn L. "Kate" Knight. Their union spanned 57 years and produced three children, Carolyn, Diana and Randy.
As a master mechanic, Myron served our community's automotive repair needs at Louderback's and Shepherd's Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac. He also had a special forte for keeping his family's fleet running and in top condition. To relax he enjoyed listening to the music of the Big Band Era.
As a dedicated ham radio operator, Myron was also known as "WB9RLE." He was a member of the Saltminers and Moonlighters radio clubs. Electronics and technology intrigued him. He spent many hours tinkering on small appliance motors as well as automotive engines. He was a lifelong student of technology annually attending conferences and seminars, keeping himself updated on the latest trends and methods of repair. From this devotion, his family and close friends dubbed him the "Doctor of Motors."
Myron's memberships included Rochester Church of the Nazarene and the LeRoy Shelton American Legion.
Myron is survived by two daughters, Carolyn K. Bailey and companion Gary Gagnon Sr., Akron, and Diana S. Van Norstron, Vevay; a son, Randy M. Alderfer, Rochester. Three sisters, Ruby Thompson and husband Earl, Mentone; Mary Bruce, Mentone; and Phyllis Grimes and husband Richard, LaPorte. And three brothers, Merle Alderfer, Laketon; Wayne Alderfer and Lavina, Cromwell; and Howard Alderfer and wife Alverta, Chapman Lake. Nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren also survive him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a granddaughter, Carrie Lynn Van Norstron; a sister, Jessie Armstrong; and four brothers, Frederick, Lloyd, Earl and Clyde Alderfer.