Merle Fredrickson

Merle Duane Fredrickson, 75, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, October 20, 2010, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls. He was born March 1, 1935 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the son of Theodore and Esther (Krause) Fredrickson. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. He attended the Fergus Falls Public Schools. He was united in marriage to Diane Marie Bugbee on August 29, 1964 at Tingvold Lutheran Church in Underwood, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Fergus Falls, MN. Prior to being married, Merle worked as a machinist for D.B. Millekin Co., in Duarte, California making parts for the military. He returned to Fergus Falls, MN where he worked construction prior to joining the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for three years in Asmara, South Africa, from September of 1955 to August of 1958 where he was an automatic Morse Code Intercept Operator for the Army Security Agency (ASA). While serving in the military in Asmara, Merle hunted wild game and brought home several mounts. After his three year tour of duty, Merle returned to Fergus Falls, MN where he worked for Alstad Brothers Heating and for Fergus Lumber and Fuel Co. before going to work for Otter Tail Power Company.  Merle retired after 31 years from Otter Tail Power Company at the age of 62. He was also a volunteer for the Fergus Falls Fire Department for a couple of years. Merle was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, a longtime member of the Fergus Falls Hockey Association (Hockey Dad and Grandpa), a member of the Pebble Lake Golf Club, and also a member of the VFW and the Eagles. He enjoyed the outdoors which included hunting, fishing, golfing (2 holes in one), camping, and playing beanbags with his family. Other hobbies included bowling, watching the Minnesota Twins play baseball, attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, and playing cards. He was also an excellent cook, specifically frying fish for friends and family. Merle was an inspiration to his children and grandchildren through his hard work ethic, love and dedication. He was a devoted father and grandfather and a wonderful friend to many people. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Diane; and his brother, Kenneth Fredrickson. Survivors include his children, Kimberley (Cory) Johnson of Alexandria, Minnesota, Lynette (Shannon) Bjorgaard of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Theodore (Tina) Fredrickson of Newark, Delaware, and Brady (Amy) Fredrickson of West Fargo, North Dakota; three grandchildren, Tara Johnson, Alyssa Johnson, and Brenner Merle Fredrickson; a brother Gerald (Betty) Fredrickson of Yantis, TX; and his longtime companion, Barbara Grenell.   Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church Service: 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 26, 2010, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy:  Reverend Stan Satre Interment: Bethlehem Cemetery, Fergus Falls Military Participation by the Fergus Falls VFW and American Legion Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls