Mabel Clara (Fricke) Hohlt

Mabel Clara (Fricke) Hohlt, age 97, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away peacefully on November 29, 2014, surrounded by her loving family. Mabel was born in Michigan on Halloween, October 31, 1917 and was the fourth of nine children born to Clara and E.J. Fricke. Mabel was happiest serving her Lord and all those around her. In 2012, at age 95, she was awarded the Golden Hoosier Award by Indiana’s Lt. Governor. The award acknowledges seniors who serve other Hoosiers in an exemplary manner and who have dedicated their life to bettering their community. A lifelong member of North United Methodist Church, Mabel met her beloved husband Edgar F. Hohlt at the church and they were married there on May 11, 1941. He preceded her in death in 1990. Mabel served in many leadership positions including the Board of Trustees; taught the three- and four-year old Sunday School class; greeted young worshipers with punch and cookies for generations; worked in the Bread and Bowl; organized and cooked for many wedding receptions and funerals; and, was a member of the United Methodist Women and White Cross. Mabel’s frugality and devotion to North Church were legendary. The North Church Green Team honored her for her efforts during services on April 6, 2014 and at a reception afterward. She was the oldest living church member who regularly attended Sunday morning services and she even participated in a Sunday School class and services in late October. She was a living model of the Methodist vow to uphold the congregation by “your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service and your witness.” A resident of the Forum at the Crossroads, Mabel continued to serve other residents there until her own health recently deteriorated. After completing her morning devotions and exercise routines, Mabel would visit patients in the Alzheimer’s and skilled nursing units, offering a cup of tea, a warm blanket or just a little bit of kindness to those in need. Her children understood that any gift given her, such as a fruit basket or bouquet of flowers, would be shared piece by piece with those she served. Until the end, Mabel collected empty pill bottles and aluminum cans (which she crushed herself!) to support youth mission trips. Mabel was a generous contributor to causes important to Indiana including the Wheeler Mission, where she also served Thanksgiving Dinner many times over the years. She provided playground equipment for the Indiana School for the Blind, where she was a longtime volunteer. Mabel donated land and playground equipment in Rocky Ripple, now known as Hohlt Park. Her beloved North United Methodist Church received her tithes and many additional offerings to ensure the historic building is preserved and its outreach mission fulfilled. Survivors include a daughter, Saundra H. Kurker (William); son Richard F. Hohlt (Deborah); two grandsons, Sean J. Kurker and Luke F. Hohlt; sisters Neva F. Bell, Doris F. Hinman and Pat F. Hull; brother Larry Fricke; and many nieces and nephews. A service celebrating the life of Mabel F. Hohlt will be held on Friday, December 5th at 4:30 p.m. at North United Methodist Church, 3808 N Meridian St., Indianapolis. Friends may call on the family beginning at 3:00 p.m. and until the service begins. Internment was held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Perpetual Care Fund at North United Methodist Church or Wheeler Mission Ministries.