Lester "Bud" A. Horwedel, 75, Retired Lieutenant/Paramedic

Retired Lieutenant/Paramedic, serving on the Avon Lake Fire Department for 30 years. Born February 21, 1926 in Avon Lake, where he was a life long resident and son of a local grape farmer whose family were among the early settlers migrating from Germany to Avon Lake in the 1800s.

He graduated from Avon Lake High School in 1943 and attended Lorain Community College. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II for two years in the far Mid East, stationed in Cairo, Egypt in the 56th Station Hospital Medical Corp. at which time he received an honorable discharge. Bud received a letter of appreciation from President Truman for his military service. Upon completion of military, he served with the Avon Lake Post Office for 10 years and organized the Avon Lake Postal employees union in 1953. As a volunteer fireman for several years, his love for fire services, led him into being a dedicated, full time fireman in 1959. When the paramedic program was instituted in 1978, Bud was 51 years old and graduated with honors from Lorain Community College. He also attended Ohio State University (21st Annual State Fire School) and Lorain County Vocational Center. Received certificates from the Ohio State Apprenticeship Council, The Center for Health Affairs - Great Cleveland Hospital Association, The Academy of Medicine of Cleveland, St. John & West Shore Hospital, and the International Association of Dive Rescue Specialist in Ice Rescue.

Nominated for the Distinguished Service Award in 1970 through the United States Jaycees, Past union President, and assisted in the organization of the Avon Lake Fire Department Union. Awarded the Blue Coat Award for the Nights of Columbus in 1976. Third degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Father Ragan Council 3269 in Avon, Veterans of Foreign War Post 1079 in Elyria and member of the Fryburg Sportman's Club in Pennsylvania as an avid hunter.

He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in East Avon. Dedicated family and fireman, who served the community well, an avid sportsman, enjoyed bowling, dancing, traveling and also an agricultural farmer.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Theresa M. (nee Forthofer) Horwedel; sons, Lloyd F. Horwedel of Wellington, Rodger J. Horwedel of South Amherst; daughters, Linda A. Burnworth of Amherst and Cynthia Lea Sammon of Avon Lake, 10 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, sisters, Hildred Carmen of Avon and Vilma Klingshirn of Avon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Horwedel and Susan (nee Conrad) Horwedel; sister, Elizabeth Rockstroh.

Friends may call at the Busch-Burmeister Family Chapel, 163 Avon-Belden Road, Avon Lake from 2-5 and 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, December 26, 2001. Prayer services will be held at the funeral home Thursday, December 27, 2001 at 10:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christina Burial at Trinity Church, 33601 Detroit Road, Avon at 11:00 a.m. Fr. John Misenko will officiate. Interment will follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery, Avon where VFW Post #1079, Elyria will conduct military honors.

Memorials may be forwarded to a charity of the donor's choice.