Roger Lee Kindy, a fireman to hundreds, a friend to many and a devoted family man to his ever-growing family, passed away Sept. 7, 2020, at the Courtyard Healthcare Center in Goshen, surrounded by his three loving children. He was 86 years old.

He was born Feb. 28, 1934, in Middlebury, to Raymond and Florence (Mishler) Kindy. Roger was raised as an avid Cubs fan. His love for the game continued throughout his adult life, leading him to the Goshen Softball Fast Pitch Hall of Fame. Educated at Middlebury High School, Roger graduated in 1952 as a multi-sport letterer. He then went on to join the U.S. Army, where he proudly served in the Korean War. Shortly after arriving back home, Roger married Sheila Joan Struble on Dec. 18, 1955. They spent the greater part of their lives in Elkhart, where they raised three children together.

Roger served with honor in the Elkhart City Fire Department for 20 years, where he spent four of those years as Fire Chief. He was a dedicated member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) local chapters. Roger not only put others first through his military service and his civil servant career, but also throughout the way in which he lived his life. Family was of the utmost importance to him, sharing vast experiences with his children and extended family members. Those who knew Roger appreciated his passion for fishing, understanding that the next greatest "fish story" was always on his mind. Roger's love for this leisure activity was infectious and will be carried on throughout his family for generations to come. Other things which brought him great joy were mushroom hunting, camping, breakfast with the guys, playing cards - especially euchre and pinnacle - and desert excursions while living in Apache Junction, Arizona. Roger was also a former member of St. John's United Church of Christ.

His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his three children, Melody (Hank) Herschberger and Michael (Janene) Kindy, both of Goshen, and Mark (Janet) Kindy of Darien, Connecticut; his seven grandchildren, Jena, Kelsey, Alisha, Michele, Erika, Jared and Grace; and his four great-grandchildren, Cayden, Jace, Raelee and Brooke.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Wayne Kindy, Glenn Kindy, Jewel (Luke) Kindy and Jean (DeVolder) Kindy; and his loving wife, Sheila (Struble) Kindy.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date, as well as a private graveside service in Grace Lawn Cemetery, Middlebury. Memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer's Association or the Center for Hospice Care. To send an online condolence, please visit www.wmzfh.com.