Eric B. Pethtel

Eric Bryce Pethtel of Fishers, Indiana passed away February 16, 2025. Eric was born on January 6, 1965 in Robinson, Illinois to parents Janis (Pethtel) Bond and Richard Pethtel. He graduated from Robinson High School in 1983 and then attended ITT Technical Institute in Indianapolis where he earned his associates degree in electrical engineering. Eric started his career in public works with the City of Indianapolis in 1987. He then worked for City of Fishers from 1991 until his retirement as Director of Public Works in 2025. One of his proudest accomplishments was leading the public works department to become Indiana’s first and only American Public Works Association accredited agency. During the 2025 Fishers State of the City address, Mayor Scott Fadness honored Eric’s 34 years of public service by renaming the DPW facility on Allisonville Road to the Eric B. Pethtel Public Works Complex.

Eric also served on several boards throughout his career including Secretary/Treasurer for American Racing Ministries, Vice-President of Hamilton County Meals on Wheels, APWA Indiana Chapter President, LTAP Board Member, and Hoosier Heritage Port Authority Board Member.

While Y2K didn’t spur the end of the world as many predicted, the new millennium brought a stroke of fate in Eric’s personal life when he responded to his future bride Lisa’s personal newspaper ad on January 1, 2000. After a year of dating, they married on March 24, 2001 alongside their six children at Northview Christian Church in Carmel, Indiana. One of his greatest joys in life was family time with the kids and becoming “Poppy” to his five grandchildren. Many days his kids could count on receiving a silly video or meme from him designed to make them laugh. 

Eric and Lisa took pride in creating special memories with each other from numerous vacations, shows and concerts, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, and sporting events. Some of their notable bucket list getaways included stops at every Major League Baseball stadium, countless U.S. National Parks, all the U.S. presidential libraries and museums, Buc-ee’s, and World War II tours through France, Germany, and several other countries. Eric was an avid race fan, attending the Chili Bowl in Tulsa for 28 years in a row. As his illnesses worsened he was able to watch it at home in the comfort of his lazy boy with family and friends. He also fueled his love of racing by serving as a USAC race official for 10 years.  

Husband, father, Poppy, son, brother, uncle, and friend are just a few ways Eric will be remembered by those who will miss him most. He is survived by his wife Lisa Pethtel; six children - sons Payton Pethtel, Kyle Pethtel (Hailey), Cameron Collins, Tyler Pethtel (Lauren), Trent Pethtel (Megan), and daughter Lauren Anderson (Wesley); five grandkids – Owen Anderson, Kolton Pethtel, Bryson Pethtel, Titus Pethtel, and Margot Pethtel; mother Janis Bond; sisters Michele Rhodarmer and Susan Pritchard. Eric was predeceased by his father Richard Pethtel, step-father Ford Bond, and brother-in-law Joseph Rhodarmer.

Eric’s celebration of life will be held February 26, 2025 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Hamilton Hills Church on 10293 East 126th Street, Fishers, IN 46038 with services immediately following. Eric will then be laid to rest at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens at 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you help create a lasting impact by making a memorial donation to GO2 for Lung Cancer. CLICK HERE to learn more about Eric’s cancer journey and how you can help.

To view the live stream of his service please select the link: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc0MDE0NzM0MTM1MTA1MCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==.