Frederick “Fred” P. Hoitink, 60, of Wooster died on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare.
Fred was born in Madison, WI on July 20, 1965 to Harry and Judy Pendelton Hoitink. He moved with his parents to Wooster in 1967. Fred was a member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Wooster.
He was first enrolled at Ida Sue School then attended both Parkview and Kean Elementaries before moving on to Edgewood Junior High and Wooster High School. With the support of the principals, Fred was placed in special education classes from which he benefitted enormously. Following his schooling, Fred began his several decade careers with the Nick Amster Sheltered Workshop where he loved his work environment.
After living at his parent’s house and at the Apple Creek Development Center, Fred moved into a community-based home that was designed especially for people with autism.
Fred was a very loving, polite and nice person who loved the company of others, sports and his teachers and mentors in Wooster. He had an amazing memory for details and seemed to know half of the population in Wayne County. Fred also enjoyed going to the beach on vacation and to baseball games. Fred and his family are all very grateful for the support, love and care provided by many individuals in Wayne County who volunteered their time and touched Fred’s life. The family would like to especially thank MidWest Health, Nick Amster Sheltered Workshop, Wooster Community Hospital and Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare for all they have done over the years in support of Fred.
Fred is survived by his parents of Wooster; brothers Dr. John (Britt Johnson) Hoitink of Rock Hill, SC and Craig (Holly Wolf, Esq.) Hoitink of Columbus; nephews Benjamin and William Hoitink of Rock Hill, SC; aunt Jane Pendleton of Naples, FL and many relatives in The Netherlands.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, 527 Beall Ave., Wooster with Rev. Stephen Moran officiating. Inurnment will be held in St. Mary Cemetery at a later date.
Friends will be received on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691 or to St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, P.O. Box 109, Wooster, OH 44691.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Fred will be very much missed and was so loved. May he be at peace now. Prayers for the family.
Judy, Dr. John and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Fred and what a sweetheart he was and the memory he had was outstanding.
You have my heartfelt sympathy ♥️
Fred was one of a kind, and he will be missed. My deepest condolences Harry and Judy.
My deepest condolences on the loss of your son and brother Fred.
Wishing you all much support and comfort.
Sorry for your loss. Fred will be missed. Our deepest condolences and prayers
My_heart_belongs_to_frankie@yahoo.com
Thinking of you harry and judy fred was one of a kind and will be .issed
I am terribly sorry for your loss. I never met Fred, but I heard alot about him by working with Craig and it was an honor to pray for him and the family through the years. I feel as if I have known him all my life. 🙂 With sincere condolences, I humbly pray, May the Lord bless you and keep you, may His face shine down upon you and be gracious to you, may the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
I am so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. Growing up on Douglas, Hamilton and Linden, the kids in the neighborhood all enjoyed Fred. He would sometimes come to our house and if the kids weren’t home, he would say, that’s ok, I’ll visit with you Mrs Bell. He was a joy and a very polite young man.
Susie Bell Danner, Troy, Amy and Jenny Bell
So sorry to hear about Fred. My condolences to your family. I remember Fred when he lived in Ruby Hall. I worked with him. May he rest in Heaven. 🙏🙏
I remember the Parkview days with Fred. He always remembered my girls names when I’d see him in the store. He say Mrs. Vitallo where is Lisa leslie and Laurie. You have our condolences Vicki and Archie.
I remember Fred well from when we lived on Normandy Dr. My son & daughter Connie and Jason Nelson played with Fred. They visited at your home and enjoyed him so much. God Bless you, our condolences. Connie Nelson Wydick 🙏
My love to the Hoitinks all. I always remember Fred’s warm greeting to my boys when we would get together.
Parents and brothers, what a gift you all gave to him with such love. Thank
you.
Mr and Mrs Hoitink, John and Craig, I’m so sorry for your loss, prayers of comfort.
My sincere condolences on Fred’s passing.
Condolences to the family. Soar with the Eagles now Fred and RIP 🦅
Sending love and support on behalf of the Catalano family to Judy, Harry, Craig, and John. We’re so very sorry about Fred’s passing.
I was so sad to hear of Fred’s passing. I have fond memories of him from high school and OARDC events. My heart goes out to the entire family.
Fred helped all he came in contact with think outside the box. He and his family forged progressive pathways for children and adults who live with Autism. Fred will be missed. Sending thoughts of support to all his family and staff who helped him.
My sincerest condolences to all.
I knew Fred while working at Apple Creek Developmental Center. His cheerful personality made him an unforgettable character.
What a lovely tribute to Fred’s life. My thoughts are with your family. Many fond memories of Fred as he made his path through the Parkview neighborhood.
Fred was such a sweetheart! He always greeted me with a smile and questions about my family. He new my brother Bert from his time at Apple Creek and found great pleasure in asking about him… Then he’d say “tell the family I said hello!” It was a pleasure to get to know you too, Judy, you and your family were so involved in Fred’s life. He was a rich man, indeed.
Judy, Harry, Jon, and Craig:
My very deepest love and condolences to ALL of YOU at this time!! I know, and YOU know Fred is
NOW is a much better place!! Oh, all the great times he and I had when I started watching him while
he was at Edwood Jr High School thru the “Respite Care” for Ida Sue/Nick Amster!
I have so many really fond memories!!
I know the first time I started watching him, Harry was leaving to go to Holland years ago. I stayed at
your place, and Fred & I had a great time!! This was when he was at Edgewook, but I do NOT remember the year/!!
Jon &* Craig: You were both the great brothers for Fred, and he manyu times said how he enjoyed you
and your parents! (He also loved that pizza I’d get him!! and more!)
Judy, Harry, Jon, and Craig:
My very deepest love and condolences to ALL of YOU at this time!! I know, and YOU know Fred is
NOW is a much better place!! Oh, all the great times he and I had when I started watching him while
he was at Edwood Jr High School thru the “Respite Care” for Ida Sue/Nick Amster!
I have so many really fond memories!!
I know the first time I started watching him, Harry was leaving to go to Holland years ago. I stayed at
your place, and Fred & I had a great time!! This was when he was at Edgewook, but I do NOT remember the year/!!
Jon &* Craig: You were both the great brothers for Fred, and he manyu times said how he enjoyed you
and your parents! (He also loved that pizza I’d get him!! and more!)
To the Hoitink family I offer my sincere condolences. Whenever Fred was near he would call out my name and wish me a good day. A special individual in all ways!
Condolences to Judy ,Harry John, and Craig on the passing of Fred. He was always upbeat when I met him and insisted on calling me by my full name. He was lucky to belong to and be loved by his family
Many good memories of Fred, so special he was. Always happy. He had such a good memory
Judy and Harry, My condolences for the loss of Fred. We do not expect to outlive our children. I have many memories of Fred when he was a child. My thoughts are with you in this sad time.
Our deepest sympathies to all the Hoitink family on the passing of Fred. We have many good memories of Fred and all of you from the ‘growing up’ years. Fred will be missed by many.
Deepest sympathies to Fred’s family. What a pleasant person he always was when our paths crossed through the years after AC/DC! RIP
I remember so many wonderful things about Fred. He lived a good life, full of love and joy.
Prayers for Judy and family .
Previous post should have read: Prayers for Judy, Harry, and family. Sorry for the omission.
To the Hoitink Family. You have my deepest sympathy. I’m so sorry for your loss. Fred was such a kind, gentle soul, and no matter how long it had been between seeing each other, He always remembered my name. May he rest in peace.
Dear Hoitink Family,
I was so saddened to hear about Fred. My sincerest condolences. Fred was a force of nature. There was never a dull moment with Fred living next door! He taught me patience and tolerance, and knowing him has made me a better mother to my own ASD child. My heart goes out to you all. My mom adored Fred. I’m so sorry I missed the memorial service. Sending love and healing light.