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BRACEVILLE -- Fredrick Austin Spahlinger, 81, passed away at 5:38 a.m. Monday, April 3, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.
Fred was born Feb. 17, 1942, in Warren, to the late Fredrick George and Celia Lee Gran Spahlinger.
After high school graduation, Fred attended West Virginia Wesleyan University for a couple years before returning to the area in 1965 to work as an operator at the former Copperweld Steel. While working there, Fred was very active in the union, serving on and chairing many committees and holding many positions, one of which was vice-president of Local 2243. Fred retired in 2000, after 35 years of service, when the steel plant closed.
Fred was a member of the United Methodist Church in Braceville, served the residents of Braceville as a volunteer firefighter and was also a precinct committeeman. Fred was very active in sports; having pitched baseball in high school, Fred later played in different baseball, softball and golf leagues. His passion for baseball did not stop there; he spent many years coaching Little League.
On Oct. 23, 1962, Fred married his wife, the former Jeralee Kline. Together they shared 60 years of marriage. Also surviving Fred are his son, Michael Spahlinger and Tabetha Jones of Warren; brothers, Homer and Kathy Steel Spahlinger of Braceville, Robert and Fay Kline Spahlinger of Newton Falls and Wayne and Helene Spahlinger of Naples, Fla.; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Preceding Fred in death are his parents; a son, Fredrick Jerry Spahlinger; and a sister, Diana Spahlinger.
Calling hours will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, April 10, 2023, at James Funeral Home in Newton Falls. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., with Fred's nephew, Pastor Steven Kline, officiating the service.
Fred will be laid to rest in Braceville Township Cemetery.
Material contributions may be made, in Fred's memory, to the Labrae Athletic Club, P.O. Box 306, Leavittsburg, OH 44430.
Arrangements for Fred have been entrusted to James Funeral Home, 8 E. Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444, 330-872-5440.
Family and friends may view this obituary online and send condolences to www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.
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