Gene Charles Fredericksen

Gene Charles Fredericksen, 82, of Channing, Michigan passed away on February 26, 2020 at his home in Channing. Gene was born on Nov 27th, 1937, in Racine, Wisconsin, the first son of the late Frances and Dorothy (Terpstra) Fredericksen. He was raised in Racine, WI and attended Kenosha Vocational School. Gene was married to Carol Lotharius 1959-1977and had 2 children. He was also married to Barbara VanOss 1977-1998 and added 3 more children to the family. Gene moved to the UP as a millwright in the 60’s then started in the oil business as a Jobber. He was a proud business owner, owning and operating several different businesses, starting with Fredericksen Oil Co, Inc in Channing, Michigan. He advanced to a Super Jobber with the acquisition of Nelson Oil in Foster City, McNeil’s Mobil in Crystal Falls, and Nissen Oil Co in Florence, WI; also started up C & J Distributing in Florence, WI. Gene served as a director and board member of the Michigan Petroleum Association for many years. He enjoyed doing business in the area and loved his customers. He was always concerned about people being cold, spending many late and cold nights personally delivering fuel oil to those in need. He also played an integral part of assisting others in their business pursuits, providing support and mentorship. Gene retired in the early 2000’s and has spent that time serving the local community in many ways. He was a member of the Crystal Falls Business Association and greatly enjoyed participating in and cooking at many local events such as the Fungus Fest and the Bass Festival. He was a member of the Crystal Falls Lions Club for many years, serving as King Lion for 2 years. He greatly enjoyed presenting scholarship awards to the local youth and working on Lions Club community projects. Gene was a sponsor for many adult and youth sports teams and groups, some for over 25 years. He coached the Channing Railroaders baseball team for many years and was a long-time sponsor and advocate of the McNeil Oilers Basketball team. He has accumulated quite the trophy collection from all the winning teams he backed for so many years. Gene enjoyed golf and bowling and participated in several leagues. He was a long-time participant and member of the American Bowling Congress and a member of the Crystal Falls Golf Club. He also enjoyed participating in draft horse competitions with the Wilderness Ridge Farms in Sagola, MI. He was a member of the Sagola Township Sportsmen’s Club for many years and served as Treasurer and President. Gene was a member and current treasurer of the Sagola Township Senior Citizen Center and a member of the Chippewa Sno-Kats Trail Club. He was also a member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Sagola. Gene loved local high school sports. He rarely missed a game and loved working the ‘chains’ at the football games and will be missed cheering from the sidelines. He loved watching his children and grandchildren participating in local sports and activities. Gene was honored to be the recipient of the Iron County Citizen of the Year Award in 2006. He loved the Green Bay Packers throughout his life and was able to attend several Super Bowl games where he witnessed his team win. He also enjoyed traveling around the country and collecting coins and stamps. In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his brother Allen, nephew Tim, first wife Carol, and special friend, Patricia McGregor. Gene is survived by his 5 children, Jim Fredericksen, Dianne (significant other Martin Demeny) Krcmar, Stacey (Jason) Niskanen, Jacob (significant other Andrea Smiltneek) Smith, and Charles (Susie) Fredericksen; grandchildren, Michael Dumke, Sarah Fredericksen, Austin Murray, Evan Murray, Samantha Murray, Alexandra Smith, Karanda Smith, William Smith, and Marlana (Jacob) Klein; great grandchildren, Ezekiel Murray, Soren Hoke; brothers, Robert (Ruth) Fredericksen, Ronald (Michelle) Fredericksen; sisters, Karen (Brian) Gross, Sandy Kempfer, Nancy (Larry) Talley, and Gail Diel as well as many nieces and nephews and special friend Betty Tasson. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Saturday March 14th at the Grace Presbyterian Church in Sagola. A memorial service will follow at 4 p.m. Pastor Ryan Flunker will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the Crystal Falls Lions Club. Condolences to the family of Gene Fredericksen may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net. The family has entrusted to Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Crystal Falls with arrangements.

Gene Charles Fredericksen

November 27, 1937 - February 26, 2020