Charles Frederick “Fred” Libler

Husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend Charles Frederick Libler, 73, died on Aug. 10 in the same way he lived – unexpectedly. He was a fierce friend, undesirable foe and semi-reformed wild child who used his quick wit to celebrate the worthy or eviscerate those who earned it. Fred was generous and unfailingly kind in the best possible way that sought no recognition.

Fred was born Nov. 29, 1949 to Charles and Thelma Libler of Anderson, IN as one of three children gifted with parents who taught him to drive safely, love recklessly and always put family first. From an early age, Fred displayed an innate understanding of how things worked that would later guide his career. He graduated from Anderson High School in 1968 and still holds the gymnastics trampoline record for AHS, placing fifth in the state. An avid sportsman, Fred played fast-pitch softball for many years with his sons, family and friends, talking smack and winning and losing games with joy and camaraderie.

After graduation, Fred began work at Miracle Tool & Die in Middletown, IN as an apprentice before moving to General Motors where he worked until his retirement in 2021. A gifted tool and die maker, Fred was able to simplify the complex and find beauty in making the impossible possible. He was extremely proud to continue his work with GM as a consultant post-retirement with a group of gurus he dubbed the “three blind mice,” traveling internationally to support quality control efforts and start-up thinking as the company evolved.

Above all, Fred was a Mountain Dew-fueled dreamer and an iconoclast not afraid to challenge accepted thinking, upset the status quo and make every day experiences extraordinary with his passion and humor. He loved being a father to his four sons Ryan, Brandon, Maxx and Bowen and knew how lucky he was to find a soulmate in his wife Anissa. A 75/25 split on saint and sinner, Fred accepted everyone exactly as they were and inspired others to do the same. He was the glue of our family and the person who reliably showed up for every celebration, sorrow and sofa bed move.

He was a wizard in a sea of muggles and the world is a darker place without his magic.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Thelma Libler.

He is survived by his wife, Anissa (Smith) Libler; sons, Ryan (Amy) Libler, Brandon (Jen) Libler, Maxx Libler (Cadence Eaton) and Bowen Libler; sisters, Tudy Matthews and Donna (Dan) Hubble;  grandchildren, Evelyn, Brynn, and Eli Libler; nieces and nephews, Christina (Ronald) Vysma, Ashley (Michael) Pepelea, Allyson (Laurie Seall) Matthews, Danny (Carrie) Hubble, Andrew Hubble, Jillian (Josh) Subich, Julia (Jesse) Brimicombe, Allison Smith, Gabrielle Smith, Annabelle Smith, Noelle Smith, Alayna Thomas, Jakob Smith, Eli Smith, and Mason Thomas; brothers-in-law, Jason (Darlene) Smith, Doug (Katy) Smith, Richard (Ellen) Smith, and Tim Thomas; and cousins, Judy McIntyre and Kathy Sidwell.

The visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service & Crematory, 515 E. 53^rd St., Anderson 46013. The memorial service will begin at 4 p.m. at the funeral home.