John Fredrich, 89, of Wagner

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM, Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at St. John Catholic Church in Wagner. Visitation is Monday from 2 to 5 PM at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner. Burial is in St. John Catholic Cemetery, rural Wagner, with military honors. Rosary/Wake services are 7 PM, Monday at the church.

John Morris Fredrich was born on April 1, 1926 in Wagner, SD. He was the son of John and Molly (Vavruska) Fredrich. He passed away on June 29, 2015 in Denver, CO surrounded by family. John was 89 years old.

John attended Wagner Community School and graduated from Wagner High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army for two years, serving in the Philippines & Japan.

Upon his return, John met Patricia Tiernan at a ball room dance at Rest Haven in Lake Andes, SD. They were married on August 30, 1947, and blessed with one son, Jeffrey James Fredrich.

John farmed after he married Patricia and then continued working for Farmers' Union Exchange, Kocer Implement and Mark's Machinery. He continued to be a familiar face even after retirement for morning coffee.

John was a member of St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Rollie Bucholz VFW Post #7319 and the American Legion Greer Post #11 in Wagner. He also was a volunteer fireman for the Wagner Fire Department.

John loved his farm and his two grandchildren, Alexander and Jackson. His passion for gardening allowed him to share some of the best cantaloupes and melons in town.
Recently, John had moved to Denver, CO to be closer to Jeff and his family. Although the time was much shorter than we had hoped, John loved seeing Alexander walk to see him after school and sharing a Pinwheel cookie and Sprite. He was able to enjoy Alexander's band concert, lacrosse games and playing cards. Jackson entertained him with his constant smile and mischievous attitude.

Survivors include: Jeffrey and wife Suzanne, Denver, CO; two grandsons, Alexander (10) and Jackson (3); sister in-law, Charlotte Fredrich (wife of Donald), Wagner SD. John also had many nieces, nephews and cousins that filled his life.

John was preceded in death by his parents, wife Patricia of 64 years, brother Donald Fredrich, Wagner, 4 sisters and their husbands; Evelyn Maurus and Walter; Helen Knight and Clifford (Pete), Adella Kriz and Emil; and Susie Kriz and Frank .

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed to the Wagner Fire Department and the American Legion Greer Post.