Obituaries for Surnames Beginning With "F"
Aitkin County, Minnesota

Unless otherwise noted, these obituaries were contributed by
Karen Klennert
and are from the Aitkin Independant Age Newspaper.


ALEX FREDERICK

One day in late spring of 1910, not long after this writer established the Hill City News a jolly rosy cheeked man came into The News office and was introduced as Alex Frederick of Benson who owned some land west of town. That day was the start of a friendship that lasted for over 40 years and was terminated only by the death of Mr. Frederick early Friday morning January 5 (1951) at Itasca hospital where he had been taken the day before.

Along with a great many others we hold dear the memory of that good friendship.

Mr. Frederick was in ill health for quite a number of years and although he suffered much, especially the last few years, no one ever heard him complain. He was always the same jolly and happy man he had been all his life. He had a motto he lived by: "If you live right, and do right you will always get along well." He was a hard worker and he prospered.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Libbey Funeral Home in Grand Rapids and burial was in the family lot in Hill Lake Cemetery beside his beloved wife and son.

Rev. J.E. Dowler officiated at the services and pall bearers were A. L. Wynkoop, Chas. F. Kaiser, W. H. Russell, Henry Kitzrow, Glen Sayler and Gay C. Huntley.

Alexander Frederick was born in Bern, Switzerland May 19, 1866. He grew to manhood and was educated there. In 1864 he was united in marriage to Rosina Wasmer. In 1890 they came to the United States settling in Cresco, Iowa for a time and then moved to Benson, Minnesota where Mr. Frederick was engaged in farming until moving to Hill City in 1915.

He had purchased land in Hill Lake Township west of Hill City in 1906 and it was to this land he took his family after living in town while building a home there.

Thirteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Frederick, twelve of whom survive.

Mrs. Frederick passed away in September, 1939, and the oldest son Ernest in September, 1949.

Surviving are Mrs. C. J. Hershey and Mrs. Lloyd DeYoung of Litchfield: Mrs. C.O. Bagstad of Benson: Mrs. Arthur Bull and Mrs. Henry E. Wilkins, Muskegon, Michigan: Mrs. F.M. St. Louis and Mrs. Margaret Brown of South San Francisco, California: Ben Frederick, of Poplar, Montana: Otto Frederick, of Duluth: William Frederick of St. Paul: Oscar Frederick of Appleton, Wisconsin: and Mrs. A. W. Gramer of Hill City.

There are also 29 grand children and 32 great grand children surviving.

Here from out of town for the funeral were: Mrs. Henry Wilkins and Mrs. Arthur Bull, of Muskegon, Michigan, Mr. and Mrs. William Frederick and sons Clifford and Harry of St. Paul: Mr. and Mrs. C. O. Bagstad and son Lowell of Benson: Mr. and Mrs. Otto Frederick and sons Herbert and Harold of Duluth: Miss Jean Harkinson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota: Mr. and Mrs. Lee Chapin of Willmar: Mrs. C.J. Hershey and sons Robert and Harry: Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd DeYoung, all of Litchfield.

Contributed by Mrs. Dale Amann


MRS. ALEX FREDERICK

Loving Wife and Mother Called to Last Rest Friday Evening

Funeral services for Mrs. Alexander Frederick were held Monday afternoon from the Libbey Funeral Home in Grand Rapids and burial was made in Hill Lake cemetery. The services, conducted by Rev. Elsie Hartman out of the wishes of the deceased.

Mrs. Frederick was born Rosina Wasmer on June 18, 1864 in Switzerland. On April 8, 1888, she was united in marriage to Alexander Frederick at Bern, Switzerland. They came to the United States in 1890 and in 1915 the family moved to Hill City from Benson, settling on the farm home west of town.

To this union 13 children were born, 8 daughters and 5 sons. They are Mrs. C.J. Hershey, Mrs. R. B. Whittaker of Litchfield, Mrs. C. O. Bagstand of Benson, Mrs. Anna St. Louis and Mrs. Margaret Brown of South San Francisco, California, Mrs. Arthur Bull, Mrs. Henry Wilkins, Mrs. Al Gramer and Ernest of Hill City, Oscar of Appleton, Wisconsin, William of St. Paul, Otto and Ben of Duluth. Besides her children she is survived by her husband 27 grandchildren and great grandchildren, 2 sisters, Mrs. Elsie Abbey of Evansville, Wisconsin, Mrs. Laura Wurthrick of Bern Switzerland and a brother Jacob Wasmer also of Bern.

Mrs. Frederick was a lady whom to know was to love. She had a host of friends who esteemed her highly. Of a deeply religious nature she took an active part in the work of the Methodist Church until failing health prevented. She was a great lover of flowers and enjoyed working in her garden. A loving wife and mother she passed away at her home Friday evening September 22, being at the time 75 years, three months and three days of age.

From out of town attending relatives were: Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Hershey and daughters of Litchfield, Mrs. C. O. Bagstad of Benson, Messrs, and Mrs. William and Clifford Frederick of St. Paul, Otto and Ben and families of Duluth, Oscar, wife and daughter of Appleton, Wisconsin and Mrs. Elsie Abbey of Evansville, Wisconsin.

Contributed by Mrs. Dale Amann


ERNEST FREDERICK

Hill City friends were shocked on Wednesday morning to learn of the death of Ernest Frederick during the night or early in the morning.

Death was due to a heart attack according to Coroner Kast who was called. No inquest was necessary.

When Mr. Frederick failed to show up for breakfast at the Silver Grill Cafe, Kenneth Stevens investigated and found him lying on the bed. He had been dead for some time.

Funeral services are to be held at the Libbey funeral Home in Grand Rapids on Sunday afternoon at two o'clock. Burial will be made in Hill Lake Cemetery.

Ernest Frederick was 59 years old. For some years he had been engaged in carpentry and cabinet work, with a shop on Lake Avenue. He had living quarters in the same building. His services were in great demand and the jobs came to him faster than he could get them done. He was a favorite with all who knew him.

Contributed by Mrs. Dale Amann


ALMA FOWLDS

Alma Fowlds, 89, McGregor, died Dec. 24, 2002, at the Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin.

She was born Sept. 14, 1913, in Morris, the daughter of Andrew and Lena (Olson) Hill. She married Ralph Fowlds on Oct. 26, 1940, in Crosby.

Private family graveside services were held at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Palisade with Rev. Chuck Carlson officiating.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law; Bonnie and Edward Graff, McGregor, and Barbara and Kenneth Johnson, Prior Lake; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Addie Fowlds, Minneapolis; sister-in-law, Elna Hill, Morris; and brother-in-law, Ray Fowlds, Palisade.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph, on July 3, 1999; son, Gary, in 1993; granddaughter, Tammy, in 1985; brothers: Albert, Elmer, John, Ben and Anton Hill; and sister, Theresa Barlow.

Arrangements were with the McGregor Funeral Home.


EDNA FLYNN

Edna L. Flynn, 88, Hill City, died Nov. 11, 2002, at the Bethany Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Brainerd.

She was born May 1, 1914, in Parnell Township near Graceville, the daughter of Russell and Selma (Hanson) Brown. She graduated from Graceville High School and later attended business school for one year before moving to Grand Rapids where she worked in the medical clinic of Dr. M. J. McKenna. She married Clarence W. Flynn on March 5, 1943. In 1946 they moved to Hill City where they ran Flynn's Sundries for 33 years until the store was destroyed by fire in 1979. She was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Hill City where she was also active in the Council of catholic Women. She was an avid bird watcher and loved working in her flower gardens.

Services were held Nov. 15 at St. John's Catholic Church in Hill City with Rev. Fr. Edward Buczynski officiating. Burial was in the Lakeview Cemetery in Coleraine.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Bill and Sandy Flynn, Chaska, and Mike and Peggy Flynn, Elk River; daughters and son-in-law: Barb and Ted McColgan, Brainerd, and Kathy Flynn, Cannon Falls; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother, Ervine Brown, Wheaton; and sister, Ethel Zibell, Wheaton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence "Clancy;" three brothers; and two sisters.

Arrangements were with the Rowe Funeral Home in Grand Rapids.


EMMA FREERKS


Emma Rose Marie Freerks, 86, Crosby, died Dec. 15, 2002, after a long illness.

She was born Nov. 28, 1916, in Rabbit Lake Township, Iron Hub, Crow Wing County, the daughter of August and Bertha Gruenhagen. She married George W. Freerks on Sept. 15, 1940. She lived most of her life in Aitkin. For many of those years they had a state licensed boarding home for children (18). She worked as a Home Health Aide for Aitkin County for a number of years. She also worked as a Certified Cook for Aitkin Public Schools until her retirement in 1980. She then moved to Westminster California for seven years and then moved back to Aitkin for two years. She then moved to Corpus Christi, Texas for 10 years and finally moved back to Crosby for the last two years.

Services will be held on Sat., Dec. 21, at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Iron Hub with Rev. Dean Stolz officiating. Pallbearers will be Kenneth Eroch, Ronald Menzel, Alvia Gruenhagen, Roger Pearson, Gary Hart and Thomas Hart. Burial will be in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Iron Hub. Visitation will be held on Fri., Dec. 20, from 1-8 p.m. at the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, James and Consolacion (Solly) Freerks. Corpus Christi, Texas; grandson, Andy Freerks, Manila, Philippines; great-granddaughter, Andrea Freerks, San Antonio, Texas; sister, Ester Uecker, Lydia Menzel and Betty Hart; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George Freerks; sister, Ella Emch; brothers, Edward Gruenhagen, Clarence Gruenhagen and Arnold Gruenhagen.

Arrangements were with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.


TILLIE FARRAND

Tillie "Sally" Farrand, 91, Moose Lake, died January 13, 2003, at the Mercy Health Care Center in Moose Lake.

She was born February 11, 1911, in Salo Township, Aitkin County, the daughter of John and Anna (Kempainen) Swedberg. She grew up and attended school in Salo Township. She lived in Duluth where she worked as a witress. On June 30, 1935, she married Frank Farrand at the Sheriff Lake Gospel Tabernacle in Spaulding Township, Aitkin County. They lived in Spaulding Township where they farmed. In 1958, they moved to Moose Lake. She was a homemaker through the years. She was very involved with church, especially with the children's ministries at both Sheriff Lake Gospel Tabernacle and Cloquet Gospel Tabernacle. She was also active in nursing home ministries. She loved sewing, flowers, plants and cooking.

Services were held January 18 at the Cloquet Gospel Tabernacle in Cloquet. Burial was in the Sheriff Lake Cemetery in Salo Township, Aitkin County.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Rev. Frank Farrand; brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Vivian Swedberg, McGregor; sisters and brothers-in-law; Jean Westlund, Duluth; Ethel and James Benvie, Duluth; Gladys and Eino Lundeen, Wrenshall; and Ellen Larson, Orange, California; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her two brothers and a sister.

Memorials are preferred to your favorite charity or church in Sally's name.

Arrangements were with the Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home in Moose Lake.


ELEANOR FOOTE




Eleanor M. Foote, 81, White Bear Lake, died Oct. 24, 2002.

She was born June 3, 1921, in Iron Hub, the daughter of Alfred and Esther (Johnson) Monson. She graduated from Aitkin High School in 1939.

Services were held Oct. 29 at the Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in St. Paul. Burial was in the Acacia Park Cemetery.

She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law: Marcia and Roger Ryan and Jane and Dr. Kurt Foote-Witte; grandchildren: Jay, Maggie and Natalie Jech and step-granddaughter, Sherrie and David Gulbrandson; brothers, Maurice Monson and Wendell Monson; sisters, Verna Peterson and Lorraine Hathaway; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walter; and brother, Alfred.

Arrangements were with the Holcomb-Henry-Boom north Chapel in Shoreview.


BARBARA FETZEK

Barbara Fetzek, 71, Palisade, died Nov. 7, 2002.

She was born Jan. 6, 1931, in Minneapolis. She graduated from Columbia Heights High School. She was a homemaker.

Services will be held today, Nov. 13, in Brooklyn Park.

She is survived by her husband, Bob, Palisade; four children; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.


FRANK FISH

Frank Fish, 87, Aitkin, died January 29, 2003, at the Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin.

He was born January 14, 1916, in Minneapolis, the son of William and Louise (Kuc) Fish. He attended Edison High School and served with the United States Army during World War II. He received the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Medal and the Army of Occupation of Japan Ribbon. He was a truck driver with the 59th Ordinance Amm. Company. He married Lillian Wicklem on July 2, 1936 at the Sacred Heart National Polish Church in northeast Minneapolis. He worked for 31 years as a diesel electrician for the Soo Line Railroad. They moved to Aitkin in 1977. He was a member of the American Legion Lee Post No. 86 and the Aitkin VFW Roberts-Glad Post No. 1727.

No services are planned at this time. Burial will be in the Ft. Snelling Cemetery at a later date.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lillian; daughter and son-in-law, JoAnn and Glenn Wedin, Burnsville; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, sister, Helen Klescewski, Maplewood; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sophie; brothers, Stanley, John and Walter; and daughter, Barbara DeLange.

Memorials may be given to the donor's choice.

Arrangements are with the Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin.


JOHN FENNER

John Fenner, 25, Aitkin, died on March 1, 2003, the result of a snowmobile accident in Michigan.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 6, at 1 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Aitkin with Pastor David Becker officiating.

Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Kimberly.

Friends may call at the Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral home in Aitkin on Wed., March 5, from 4-8 p.m with prayers at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will also be at the church one hour before the services.

Arrangements are with the Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home.


NORRIS FREDRICKSON

Norris E. Fredrickson, 72, of McGregor, died Sunday, March 2, 2003, at VA Medical Center in Minneapolis.

Services will be held March 8, at 12 noon at the McGregor Funeral Home, with Fr. John Fleischhacker officiating. Burial will be in the Woodland Cemetery in the spring. Visitation will be held earlier from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Honorary pallbearers are Steven, Jillian, Jake, Jackie, Wyatt, Nathan, Tyler, Lacey, Derek, Devin, Amanda, Wynnona, Zach, Dakota and Colton. Military Honors will be provided by the McGregor Larson-Deneen VFW Post.

He was born June 10, 1930, in Aitkin, to Charles and Beda (Johnson) Fredrickson. He grew up and attended schools in McGregor. He served in the U.S.Army during the Korean War. He married Janette Burdick on July 23, 1955. They have lived their lives in McGregor. He has worked as a mechanic and had also drove truck.

He is survived by his wife, Janette; sons and daughters-in-law; Ronald and Shelly Fredrickson, David and Beth Fredrickson; Duwayne and Suzanne Fredrickson; Darrel and Coralie Fredrickson, all of McGregor; daughter and son-in-law, Mary and John Wilen, McGregor; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchilld; brothers and sister-in-law; Hjaler Fredrickson; and Roy and Kathy Fredrickson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers; Edwin and William Fredrickson; sisters; Hilma Laine and Anna Pickles.

Arrangements were with the McGregor Funeral Home in McGregor.


SARAH FOSSEN

Sarah Fossen, 101, Aitkin, died June 28, 2003, at the Riverwood Extended Care Center in Aitkin.

She was born March 3, 1902 in Wadena, to Frederich and Anna (Naylor) Lehmann. She graduated from Wadena High School in 1919 and attended Minneapolis School of Business. After business school, she moved to Aitkin to work at the Aitkin Courthouse as a typist. She married Arthur Fossen in Aitkin in 1921. She later worked at the Aitkin Independent Age. She was a long time member of The First Lutheran Church and Ladies Guild, a 75 year member of the Aitkin Rebekah Lodge No. 151, and she served with the Aitkin American Legion Drum and Bugle Corp.

Funeral services will be today, July 2, at 1 p.m. at First Lutheran Church with Rev. Lance Isaacson officiating. Interment will be at Lake View Cemetery.

She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Eddie Anderson, Concord, California; sons and daughters-in-law, Richard and Lois Fossen, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and John and Betty Fossen, Aitkin; seven grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Arthur, in 1975; a son, two granddaughters; two brothers and two sisters.








































DAVID FAIRCHILD
DAVID FAIRCHILD, TAMARACK, SUCCUMBS TO HEART ATTACK

A heart attack is believed the cause of the death of David Louis Fairchild, 63, whose body was found Saturday morning on the porch of his summer home near Tamarack by the rural mail carrier, who noticing that Fairchild had not removed his mail from the mail box since Wednesday, went to the cottage to investigate. County Coroner O.S. Hartman was called and upon examination stated that he believed Fairchild had died on Wednesday.

Mr. Fairchild was a former Tamarack merchant and after retiring several years ago, he moved with his family to Minneapolis, he and Mrs. Fairchild returning each year to spend the summer at their Tamarack summer home. Mrs. Fairchild had gone to a resort at Poplar, Wis. and was expected to return on Sunday.

David Louis Fairchild was born on December 17, 1873 in Peakville, N.Y., the son of Mary Seymour and Egbert Fairchild. In 1915 he came to Tamarack where he operated a store until eight years ago when he moved to the city. Surviving are Mrs. Fairchild and five children, Mrs. Louise Green of Itasca Lake Forest Reserve, Albert Fairchild of California; Alice, Mildred and Phyllis at home.

Funeral services were held at 2 o’clock Monday afternoon at the Round Lake church with Rev. Albert Howland in charge. Interment was in Round Lake cemetery.
Source: From the Aitkin Republican of September 2, 1937

Contributed by Laura Soleta


DAVID L. FAIRCHILD
DIES AT TAMARACK

David Louis Fairchild, 63, a well known former business man at Tamarack, was found dead last Saturday afternoon at his summer home in Haugen township, where he and Mrs. Fairchild were spending the summer. He was at home alone as Mrs. Fairchild had gone on a trip north, expecting to be absent but a few days. Mr. Fairchild was last seen alive on Wednesday.

Funeral services were conducted Monday afternoon at the Round Lake Presbyterian church by the Rev. Albert Howland. Burial was in the Round Lake Cemetery and attended by a large number of friends.

Mr. Fairchild was born in Peekskill, N.Y. Dec. 17, 1873. He came to Tamarack in 1915 and operated a feed store for a season and then engaged in the mercantile business in the building now occupied by Bushey Bros. He disposed of the business and moved to Minneapolis. On account of failing health he spent the summers near Tamarack, which seemed “home” to him. He was well liked in this community and regret is felt at his passing.

Surviving are the widow, and five children. Louis Albert of Los Angeles; Mrs. Wilford Green, Itasca State Park; Alice, Mildred and Phyllis, at home, and several brothers and sisters.

Source: From the Aitkin Independent Age of September 3, 1927 (Tamarack Correspondent)

Contributed by Laura Soleta


HELEN FAIRCHILD


Helen Ozias Fairchild was born on March 12, 1880 in Minneapolis. She was married to David Fairchild in Minneapolis and to this union one son and four daughters were born.

They moved to Tamarack about 1915 and lived on a farm northwest of town on old Hwy. No. 2, while Mr. Fairchild had a feed store and later a general store where the fire truck is kept.

About 1920 they moved to the former E. L. Douglas store north of the railroad and operated that for several years. They lived on and owned the farm north of town where the Tibedeau family now lives as well as the Round Lake home of Alfred Anderson.

Mrs. Fairchild was preceded in death by her husband, David and her son, Albert, of Redondo Beach, Calif.

She passed away on December 10, 1964, at Rodondo Beach. Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 14, at the Lakewood cemetery chapel in Minneapolis with Pastor David Gerberding officiating.

She leaves to mourn her passing four daughters, Mrs. Albert Woodbridge (Louise), Minneapolis, Mrs. Edward O’Brien (Mildred), Columbus, Mississippi, one sister Mrs. Mildred DeVrees of Minneapolis, 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Also attending the funeral from Minneapolis were a brother-in-law, Bernard Haxby, son James and daughter, Sally, Dirk and Doree DeVrees, Robert and Katheryn Carlson and Kathleen O’Brien.

Interment was in Lakewood cemetery.

Contributed by Laura Soleta























































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