"I am sad to know that my beloved "Dr. Fechtman" has passed some years ago. I am now a middle-aged woman, with excellent hearing. Although Dr. Fechtman used to joke to me when I was 7 years old, that I wouldn't "need a hearing aid a until I was at least 40," I still do not need a hearing aid, due to his remarkable reconstruction of my entire middle-ear. My current ENT proclaims that the reconstruction was/is "brilliant architecture." Those ear surgeries were no fun, but he was a GREAT doctor. I am eternally grateful now, and for the rest of my life, that I hear so well. I've not lived in Indianapolis for 36 years, but my condolences and eternal best wishes to Dr. Fechtman's wife, children, and the grandchildren he loved so much. Pardon the vernacular, but Dr. Fechtman will always be my "rock star" ENT."
In loving memory of
Dr. William Fechtman
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969
Dr. William F. Fechtman died on Monday, June 9, 2008 at the age of 73. He was born in Indianapolis to Hugo W. Fechtman and Helen L. Fechtman. He grew up in Indianapolis, attending IPS School #70 and Shortridge High School. After two years at DePauw University, he transferred to Indiana University and completed medical school there. His Internship and year of General Surgery were spent at the Southern Pacific Hospital in San Francisco, California. For his Otolaryngology Residency, he returned to Indiana University Medical Center.
After practicing in Indianapolis for two years, Dr. Fechtman was drafted into the US Army for the war in Viet Nam. He served two years in Okinawa, Japan. Upon returning to Indianapolis, he practiced for 36 years at Methodist Hospital, St. Vincent Hospital and Tipton Memorial Hospital. He retired in 2001 to enjoy travel, golf, duplicate bridge and grandchildren.
The greatest legacy Bill leaves is his beautiful gardens. He was an avid plantsman and horticulturist all of his life. He nurtured a garden at every place he lived, at the family lake cottage, and at the homes of all of his children. The epitome of his skill was reached at his current home. This garden is an eclectic mix of textures and shapes with an English flavor.
Another special relationship which he cultivated with love was his grandchildren. He taught them to read with phonics and treats at the bookstore. They all loved to accompany Babo for a gentle lesson and a new book.
He leaves a family who will miss him every day. Marni Ransel Fechtman, his wife of 48 years, and his brothers John and Henry survive him. He wasespecially proud of his three children and their spouses and families. They are Robert W. Fechtman and Robin, (Benjamin, Joshua) of Indianapolis; Roger F. Fechtman and Nguyen, (Brittany, Sarah, Andrew) of Indianapolis; and Abby A. Fechtman and Marcio Macedo, (Isabel, Luisa) of Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Dr. Fechtman was a member of the Woodstock Club, the Contemporary Club, Phi Kappa Psi, the Indianapolis Bridge Center, Jool's Bridge Club, and the Horticultural and Asian Art Societies of the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
Please join the family for a celebratory wake at the Woodstock Club on Sunday, June 22, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Please RSVP on the Leppert website (www.leppertmortuary.com), or to the Woodstock Club. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity or to the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
Tributes
"Marni:Bill was a gift to all of us. We thank you, Abby, Roger and Bob for sharing him with so many of us. When Joe speaks to people about Bill, he always says, "He is just the world's greatest grandfather!!!!" I know that legacy will continue blossoming just as all the roses in the garden. We love all of you. Maribeth and Joe"
"Dear Marni,One memory of seeing you and Bill at social functions comes to mind. I would often ask Bill, "how does your garden grow?" Corny I know, but I was interested in learning and he had a lot to teach me. We always had a lovely conversation about our gardens and the trials and tribulations along with the joy of serving/dealing with Mother Nature. Stan and I will be there on Sunday to celebrate his wonderful life.Love you,Sandy"
"Bill was my step cousin. He was truely a gentleman. He will be sorely missed by all. BJ and I will be joining Marni and family this coming Sunday at Woodstock to say our final goodbyes to the memory of Bill George Maley"
"?Dear Family of Dr. Fechtman,The congregation of Soldiers' Memorial Chapel wants you to know that we prayed for you today and for the soul of Dr. Fechtman. It is our desire to give spiritual support and appreciation for all who have served our country. Now he is with the Lord victorious. Forever Faithful,James A. McKinneyChaplain/Pastor"
"Jo and I were sorry to hear of Bill's death. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. We plan to be at the celebration on the 22nd. With love to all your family, Ken & Jo. "
"I have such fond memories working for Dr. Fechtman. He was a one-of-a-kind boss. Dr. Fechtman and Marni always felt like family to me. Even after his retirement, Dr Fechtman, Marni and our staff would meet for dinner enjoying each others company and keeping up to date with our families. Dr. F will truely be missed.Gina"
"Dear Marni and Family,We'll never forget walking your gardens together with you and Bill. The look on his face and the light in his eyes as he identified the plants and described his plans were brighter than any flowers in bloom. Our thoughts are with you.Sincerely and with deepest sympathy,John and Jean"
"Dear Marni, Bill was such a special man always friendly and interested in others. David and I will miss him at the Asian Art Society meetings and when we think of your lovely garden that her nurtured. May his memory be a blessing to you and your family and all of us. May the love that surrounds you be a comfort.We look forward to seeing you on the 22nd"
"Dear Marni:On behalf of the members of the Asian Art Society I want to extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time. I will remember Bill as a wonderful conversationalist and always so passionate and so enthusiastic whether discussing his garden or Asian Art. I feel very privileged to have known him. He contributed so much to the Asian Art Society over the years and his presence at our programs will be sorely missed. I plan to be at the wake on the 22nd.Chip Kalleen"
"Marni,Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Bill was the epitome of a gentle man--gentle to his family, friend, neighbors, and patients--and to his beloved garden. We will miss him tinkering in his garden on so many mornings. As neighbors, we were delighted to garner some gardening tips every so often from him. His last advice to us: "That tree is dying--cut it down!" Of course, he was right and we did. His will live on in the memory of all his good deeds."
"Working for Dr. Fechtman was truly a great experiance. His compassion for his patients, office laughter, his & Marnie's care for the staff was absouletely above and beyond! It was truly an honor to have been a part of his life! He will be truly missed. I will be at his memorial on the 22nd. "
"Dear Marni,Our heart goes out to you and your family at Bill's leaving. Memories of him linger from our pasts along the shores of Indian Lake so many wonderful years ago. Our love,Sandy and Don"
"Dr Fechtman was the best ear doctor in Indianapolis. He restored my brothers hearing after a total loss. He also helped me with my numerous ear problems. I have never found a doctor as good as him since he retired. He will truly be missed. Our deepest sympathy to the family."
"Dear Martni, Bill and I go backto 1948 when we were in the same home room at Shortridge.60 years ago We had a solid friendship then and is even got better when he decided to give up tennis in favor of golf! We had some really good guest day games together. I always enjoyed conversations with Bill and seeing both of you at Garden club events and SHS lunches. I will miss him very much! LD"
"Dr. Fechtman was the most wonderful doctor. He helped my son with tubes and major ear surgery. My son hadn't seen him in probably 10-15 years and still talks about what a wonderful doctor he was. We are sorry for your loss and we know that the world will be a little sadder without him. Robin Pickens and son Darrell Grimes."
"Mrs. Fechtman, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "
"Marni, Frank and I will be at the wake on the 22nd of June. We're so sad and think of you and your family often. Donna Eide."
"Dr. Fechtman inserted and then removed tubes in my brother's ears many years ago. I will never forget the wry joke he made when my mother questioned him about the velcro board my brother was gently strapped into during the uncomfortable procedure. Dr. Fechtman assured us "It's the best investment I've ever made for my dental work." I saw Dr. Fechtman in the parking lot of his office building years later and while talking, he noticed I was having allergy problems. When I sheepishly told him I was uninsured and job searching at the time, he opened his office back up, examined me, then walked me across the parking lot to the pharmacy and paid for three months of allergy medication out of his own pocket. "
"So sorry to hear about Bill. He was a good friend and a caring physician. We will be at the memorial on Sunday the 22nd."
"Marni - Ted and I will attend the celebration on the 22nd. "
"Dear Marni,Frank and I are saddened by Bill's passing. We always enjoyed seeing him at museum related functions and other social functions. He didn't know us well but we would always have interesting conversations and he made us feel comfortable like we were old friends. We will miss him and are so glad we had the opportunity to know him.We will see you at the celebratory wake on Sunday.Our thoughts are with you and your family.Sincerely,Barbara"
"Dear Marni, Bob, Roger and Abby,I have so many fond memories of Bill. First of all, he was a wonderful, caring doctor with a wry sense of humor. Nelson and I were so often his patients. Secondly he was an immenseley interesting person. I could have a conversation with him on almost any subject. I remember so many Gourmet Club dinners with him and you, Marni. Not only was he a great gardner but he was a visionary one. I chose not to buy a weeping beech when he did because I never thought that in my lifetime it would become much of anything. How wrong I was! He will be greatly missed."
"Marni - What a special memory to have greeted Bill and your lovely family last weekend. We look forward to sharing in the celebration of his life on the 22nd. We send our love to you and all of the Fechtmans.Howard and Susie Maxwell"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We plan to attend the June 22nd gathering at the Woodstoock Club."
"Carlos and I will attend the celebratory wake on June 22.Carlos and Eli "
"Marni, We all share your sorrow in your loss and plan to attend the celebratory wake on the 22nd at Woodstock. Dorothy, Katy and Mary"
"Our deepest sympathies. We will attend the wake on the 22nd."
"Our deepest sympathies. We will attend the wake on the 22nd."
"Working for Dr. Fechtman has been the greatest blessing in my life. He always encouraged me to be at every function at school for Jamie and Nick. He always told me read to them, just read to them every chance you get. I valued his advice and always tried to follow it. He was such a wise and caring man. Jim's grandmother, Alma Putman, loved him like the son she never had when she worked for him and I am so grateful that she "encouraged" Dr. Fechtman to hire me upon her retirement! Dr. F and Marni were wonderful examples of enduring love. His eyes would light up when Marni would stop by the office. He would say, "why Marni, hello" and come to her and kiss her on the cheek! I will hold my memories of the Fechtman's close to my heart. We look forward to sharing the celebration of Dr. F's life on Sunday. "
"Dear Fechtman Family: I work with Bob at Fechtman Law Office. I met Dr. Fechtman once almost 3 years ago. From reading the entries in this Guest Registry, I can see that he was a special man and is well loved and dearly missed by many. My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I plan to attend the celebratory wake at Woodstock on Sunday, June 22nd. "
"Marni and Abby,Carrie forwarded the email about Dr. Fechtman's passing to me. I would like to attend the celebration of his life on Sunday. I have such wonderful memories of the many times you shared your beautiful home and of Abby as Carrie's college roommate. May God wrap His loving arms around you."
"Marni, I will be at woodstock on Sunday, I will miss Bill at bridge, he was a dear man. Anna"
"We will really miss stopping by to chat with Bill about the garden and other topics too! He was a man of many talents and we will all miss him. Fred and I will join you on the 22nd. Marni, we are thinking about you and your family.Jane and Fred Schlegel"
"Hi, Marni, Abby, Bob and Roger,I hope that you know that we all have been thinking about you and feeling your sadness. Lillian, Grace and I will be there on Sunday. Bob and Henry will be out of town on a long-awaited father-son backpacking trip that I'm pretty sure Bill wouldn't want them to miss. Take care of yourselves. Peace--Mary and family"
"So sorry to hear that Bill has passed. I will be pleased to see you on Sunday to celebrate his life and love of family."
"We are so sorry for your loss. The whole Fechtman family is in our thoughts during this difficult time. We will attend the wake on the 22nd."
"Dear Marnie and family, Mike and I were saddened to hear of Bill's passing. We will attend the celebratory wake on Sunday."
"Williams Creek will miss Bill dearly. His service to our Town and beautification efforts will live on and constantly remind us of Bill. You have our sincere condolences."
"Hi Marni - Carolyn and I will see you Sunday. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I know that Letha and Bill are both up there pruning and planting away - making everything beautiful. God loves you."
"I am the receptionist at Fechtman Law Office and I was deeply saddened to hear about Dr. Fechtman. I will be attending the service on Sunday."
"I look forward to honoring Bill's life with you and his many, many friends on Sunday, June 22. I truly express my sorrow and deepest sympathy. Bill was a really fine man."
"Dear Marni, Abby, Bob, and Roger, Liam and I will be there to celebrate Bill's life with you. He was a terrific man, a great uncle, and I know he was crazy about those grandkids! Take care of each other. love, Liz, Michael, Jeannette, Nick, and Liam"
"It was a privilege to know Bill. His gentle good nature was his badge. We send you our warmest good wishes and will be honored to celebrate his life with you on June 22."
"So sorry to hear of Dr Fechtman's passing. He was os interesting to talk to, and a joy to care for."
"Marni and family -- We are saddened by your loss. Please accept our sympathy and condolences. Like you, Bill was friend and family, not to mention a DePauw Phi Psi brother. We will miss him."
"Dear Fechtman Family:I am the paralegal for Bob and have worked with him over many years. During those years, I've had the pleasure to meet each of you at one time or another, including Dr. Fechtman. He was always so kind to me, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to know him. I'm so sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences. I plan to join in the celebration of Dr. Fechtman's life on June 22nd at Woodstock."
"Marie and I will see you Sunday to celebrate the life of a grerat clinical coligue and friend. "
"Marni- I will remember Bill and you in my prayers. We at the West Side Bridge Club will miss him, too."
"Marni, the Tuesday docents share your sorrow and grief. We love having you touring with us and sharing stories about Bill. Laura Derrickson and I will be at his memorial Sunday. Our thoughts are with you this week and through the summer."
"Marni and Family,Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will attend on the 22nd. "
"Dear Bill FamilyMS Donna was his patient for many yearsand my parents and he will be missedbut glad I have the opportunity to saysorry to his family on Sunday/From Donna"
"Marni,Please accept our deepest sympathies; our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.We will attend the celebratory wake at Woodstock this Sunday."
"So very sorry to read of Bill's passing. He was a terrific person and fabulous gardener, and we shall remember him each time we drive by the garden. We will be at the celebratory wake on Sunday."
"Dear Marni--We are thinking of you and your family at this time of loss, and we will join you at Woodstock on Sunday to celebrate Bill's life. He gave so much to so many; yes, he will be missed by many for a long time. "