Speedway, Indiana (February 18, 2025)………Eric Pethtel, who served as a USAC official for a decade and was also a secretary/treasurer for the American Racing Ministries, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep from respiratory failure on February 16, 2025. He was 60 years old.
Pethtel, originally hailing from Robinson, Illinois but later settling in Fishers, Indiana, worked in various officiating capacities for the United States Auto Club during a period between the 1990s and 2000s. In addition to his role with USAC’s national traveling series, Pethtel was also the chief steward of the USAC Ford Focus Midget series between 2003-2004.
He was an avid race fan, having attended the Chili Bowl in Tulsa, Oklahoma for 28 years in a row, as well as numerous racing events throughout the year.
Away from the racetrack, Pethtel started his career in public works with the City of Indianapolis in 1987. He then worked for the 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.
Pethtel 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, stepfather 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.
