Frank "Fritz" Rustel Vordermark

Frank Rustel Vordermark, better known as Fritz, (and sometimes even Frank the Tank or Fratboy Fritz) died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on August 13, 2024. Fritz courageously fought a two year battle with an ultra-rare, non-inherited genetic mutation that caused complex epilepsy. Those who knew him were blessed with his presence and joy for just over 5 and a half years.

Born on March 8, 2019, Fritz was always a musically-inclined child. He loved rock (AC/DC), Cocomelon (to his parents’ chagrin), The Floor is Lava, The Oldies (September, Chain of Fools), Pop (Black Eyed Peas, Katy Perry, Trolls), and The Popcorn Song from the Muppets. His favorite song of all time to dance to was KC & The Sunshine Band’s “Give It Up.” Once, at 3 years old, he asked a table of women next to him at The Water Dog if they wanted to dance with him. He would watch the dancers at Seven Hills Dance Studio in awe, wanting to join in on the fun while he waited for his sister. Fritz was known for his beautiful blue eyes, stunning mop of curly red hair, and a smile that would light up your heart. He loved to flirt with babysitters (especially brunettes), never turned down Dino nuggets and ketchup, never was into ice cream, and loved being outdoors. Frequently he would ask for a haircut and to go to the dentist. Most of all, he loved his sister dearly.

Fritz was predeceased by his maternal grandfather John Samuel Johnston, Jr. (Poppa), his uncle Adam Wood Johnston, and his paternal grandmother Alyson Howard Lawson. He cherished spending time with his grandmother Elizabeth Thomasson Johnston (Zizzie) and enjoyed riding in Poppa’s lap as he wheeled around the house. Fritz leaves behind a beloved big sister Margaret Howard Vordermark (Howie) and parents Annie Gordon Vordermark and Matthew Teel Vordermark. Surviving Aunts and Uncles include: Margo and Jason Shoemaker (Auntie M and Uncle Shoe), Whit and Abbey Johnston (Uncow and Aunt Abbey), Mollie Gleason and Mark Hollingsworth (Auntie Glea and Uncle Glitter), and Jon and Anna Vordermark (Uncle Jon and Aunt Anna). Special love and thanks to his godparents, Mimi Hopkins and Laura and John Morgan.

His best friends were his sister Howie and his “cousits” (Caroline and Thomas Shoemaker, Evan Vordermark, Samuel and Scarlett Johnston, and Mae Ramsay Hollingsworth). His happiest times with them were getting buried on the beach, getting pulled in the wagon back and forth down the driveway on Arrow Street, swimming in the pool, and running around Zizzie and Poppa’s house getting into things he shouldn’t have. 

The family especially thanks Holland Coleman, Kayla Crance, Destiny Brown and countless other teachers at Elizabeth’s Early Learning Center for all of the love and support of our sweet boy. He also loved his teachers at Hutcherson Early Learning Center. We are indebted forever to Judy Trent, Polly Smith, and the multitude of therapists, teachers, and support staff that gave him an excellent educational experience. Our utmost gratitude goes out to his Epileptologist Dr. Erika Axeen and Joy Miller and the Palliative Care Team at UVA. We are thankful for our special friends at Gentle Shephard Hospice, most particularly Tammy Pollard.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Elizabeth’s Early Learning Center in Fritz’s name. We will be creating a music program and room in his memory, as music education there was his favorite and it will continue to serve children in the community.

The public graveside service will be at Spring Hill Cemetery on August 23, 2024 at 10:00 AM. The Reverend Adam White will officiate, and the family is grateful to him for his spiritual guidance during this difficult time.

Fritz’s favorite color was blue. The family requests that those attending the funeral wear blue or a bright color or pattern to reflect his beautiful personality and contribute to the celebration of his life.

“Sometimes special people come into our lives, stay for a bit, and then they have to go. But the bit where they were here was happy, wasn’t it?” ~Bluey

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.