Fred L. Lands

Fred L Lands, 73, of Elkhart, died on June 17. Fred was born May 12, 1949 in Jackson County, Alabama to Rubin and Birtia Lands. He married Lynn Trout who survives along with a daughter, Heather (Greg) Magnusen and grandchildren Evan and Audrey Magnusen of Zionsville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rubin and Birtia Lands and siblings Shirley Williams, Joseph Lands and Terry Lands. He attended the University of Wisconsin on a full athletic scholarship, then served in the Air Force for 4 years.

Fred’s running career began at Elkhart High where he was the 1967 2 mile state champion. At the University of Wisconsin he won the Big Ten Championships in Steeplechase with a record-setting finish. In 1970 Fred was named most valuable cross country runner and team captain. During his service in the Air Force, Fred won the All U.S. Military National Cross Country Meet in 1972 and broke the all-time USAF record for the marathon. He then qualified for and ran in the 1972 U.S. Olympic trials. He was a long distance track coach for Elkhart Central under Tom Kurth for 12 years. Together they won the state track championship in 1993.  

Fred was the owner and inspiration for Lands Design, Lands Motor Company and Lands Realty.

Visitation will be held at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman on Thursday, June 23 from 4-7 pm. A funeral mass will take place at St. Mary’s of the Annunciation in Bristol on Friday, June 24 at 10 am. Burial will follow at Rice Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959

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