John Franklyn Frederickson was born to Margaret and Franklyn Frederickson on March 12, 1935 at the Midway Hospital in St. Paul, MN. He was soon followed by the addition of his siblings Kay, Bob, Jean and Will. Because his father’s work as a forester required frequent family moves, John spent his childhood in various places in the northern Midwest including Huron, SD and Deer River, MN. In 1947, when Frank was hired by the Mando Paper Company, the family settled in International Falls. This would be John’s home base for the remainder of his life.
John graduated from Falls High in 1954 and entered the U.S. Army in 1955. He served two years of active duty and an additional five years in the Army Reserve. During his service John had the opportunity to see much of the country serving at bases in the states of Georgia, California, and Washington. John was proud of his military service. He was given a Good Conduct medal and discharged at the rank of Corporal
Ḟollowing his military service John attended college and received a teaching degree from Bemidji State in 1967. He then embarked on his career teaching elementary education in various schools throughout Minnesota and Oregon. Forced by ill health to retire from teaching in 1987, John devoted himself to volunteerism. He spent his remaining active years helping his community in several capacities.
He spent twenty-five years as a Volunteer Advocate for the State Ombudsmen Board on Aging and about as many years as a volunteer driver for the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency. He also helped build homes for Habitat for Humanity in Mississippi and was deeply involved with the Mens’ Club at the Faith United Church of Christ. John did not confine his helpfulness to agency work, he was also always willing to help out a neighbor, relative or friend.
For the past thirty years John resided at the Woodland Apartments where he gained many friends with both staff and residents. He began each day with a prayer and a search through his collection of Readers Digest and joke books to select jokes to amuse those he met throughout the day. It was sometimes hard to figure out which was funnier the joke, or his eccentric delivery.
John was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Kay; brother, Bob; and brothers-in-law, Bill Schissel and Jerry Logdahl.
He is survived by his sister, Jean; brother Will (Wendy); and sister-in-law, Donna Frederickson along with nieces and nephews, Mary Friendt, Sandra Correia, Ted Frederickson, Frank Frederickson and Mary Glen Frederickson-Wang, Paige Lee, Jana Schissel, Emily Cox, Emily Rudolph and Kate Frederickson and an unruly brood of great nieces and nephews. He found great joy in being the eccentric uncle. His favorite companion and friend was his great nephew, Max Lenth.
A memorial service will be scheduled and posted soon. Rest in peace, Uncle Puncle.
Condolences may be left on www.greenlarsen.com
Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary, Inc.
