- Date Of Birth: June 8, 1929
- Date Of Death: September 21, 2017
- State: Indiana
Warren Oliver Druetzler, 88, of Indianapolis passed away on September 21, 2017. He was born June 8, 1929 to Charles and Ruth Druetzler in Chicago, Illinois. He was reared in Chicago and spent summers on the family farm near Plymouth, Indiana. During high school, running became a passion. His Illinois state high school record for the mile run stood for 23 years.
He earned a scholarship to Michigan State University. Collegiately, Warren was on a 4×880 relay team which set a world record. He was an NCAA champion in steeplechase, cross country and mile run events. Warren served in the Army after college (2 years active duty and 17 in the reserves) completing his duty at the rank of captain. While stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia, he qualified to represent the United States in the 1952 Olympics in the 1500 meter run.
After the Olympics, Warren proposed to his college sweetheart, Patricia Fearnside. Together they raised six children. Warren’s life centered on living out his faith in Jesus, his Lord and Savior.
Warren loved fishing, sailing, sports, golfing, reading and traveling to Florida. Warren was an accomplished Granddad, attending grandchildren’s activities across the country. Warren never met an enemy and enjoyed witty conversation referred to as “Warrenisms” by all who loved him. His contagious optimism encouraged others as he would often say, “I’m not in control, Jesus is.”
Warren was preceded to heaven by his parents and daughter, Peggy Wood. He is survived by his wife Patricia, brother Ken Druetzler, sister Carol Egleston, son Bruce (Andrea) Druetzler, son Craig (Laura) Druetzler, son-in-law Geoff (Karla) Wood, son David (Becky) Druetzler, daughter Jane (Gregg) Black, daughter Amy (Tom) Wachnicki, 18 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
