Patricia Fredrich, 84, of Wagner

Patricia was born October 21, 1927. She died Friday, December 30, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at St. Johns Catholic Church in Wagner. Burial is in the church cemetery, rural Wagner. Visitation is Monday from noon until 5 PM at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner. Rosary/Wake services are 7 PM, Monday, at the church.

Patricia Ann Fredrich was born on October 21, 1927 in Faulkton, South Dakota. She was the daughter of John and Mary (Dugan) Tiernan.

Being raised in a strong Irish Catholic family, Patricia attended Catholic parochial school in Zell, SD and completed her education at Faulkton High School, Faulkton, South Dakota. After graduation she moved to Wagner, South Dakota and was the secretary for her Uncle who was Dr. Tom Dugan. Patricia also was a nurses aid.

Pat met John Fredrich at a ballroom dance at Rest Haven in Lake Andes, SD. John was attracted to her feisty Irish spirit and smile. They were married on August 30, 1947. They have one son Jeffrey James Fredrich.

Pat volunteered tireless with the Catholic Church. She was a founding member of the Right to Life group in 1973 and coordinated many church fund raisers. For her efforts she was awarded the 2009 Humanitarian of the Year by the SD Right to Life. An avid debater, one could engage in many conversations that focused on religion or politics. Many of those conversations kept husband John and sister Rita awake while driving to Colorado to see Jeff and Patricia's sisters who resided there.

Later in life Patricia reveled in her grandson Alexander Jeffrey Fredrich. She would sit and draw with him, telling stories of how she and Jeff would have art class at the Good Samaritan Nursing home. Patricia also ensured that Alexander knew his prayers.

Recently, Patricia enjoyed holding her newest grandson Jackson Joseph Fredrich. Her joy was hearing stories of how they both were growing up.

Patricia passed away on December 30, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Home in Wagner, SD surrounded by her family.

Survivors include her husband of 64 years, John of Wagner; one son, Jeffrey and wife Suzanne, Denver, CO; two grandchildren, Alexander and Jackson; three sisters: Terry Collins, Denver, CO; Alice Entsminger, Denver, CO; and Rita (Bud) Gross, Huron, SD; one brother, Phillip Tiernan, Huron, SD; and brother-in law, Vern Markovetz, Denver, CO. She also had many nieces, nephews and cousins that filled her life.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; brother, John Tiernan; sisters, Dorothy Glass and husband Bill; Katherine Markovetz; and brothers-in-law, Rip Collins and Art Ensminger.