Donald Charles Fredrickson, age 79 of Union, Illinois passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026. Don is survived by his beloved wife, Dawn Louise (Chriest) Fredrickson of 56 years, his four children: Eric (Jennifer), Anthony, Kellie, and Brian (Rebecca); his cherished grandchildren, David, Dolton, Richmond, Quinn, Tyler, Thaddeus, Aiden, and many nieces and nephews, and cousins. Don was the first-born son of Donald and Ermadelle Fredrickson, the eldest of five children, and kept in touch with his siblings Karen, Tracy, and Tim through online word games and phone calls, and with his deceased sister Christine through prayer. He also leaves behind his beloved Irish Wolfhound Elf, one of many dogs who kept him company over the years. Don cherished quiet moments with his grandchildren and Elf—walking the backyard flower beds and filling their heads with the names of the unique plants he carefully cultivated.
Don’s life was marked by quiet strength, perseverance, and a deep commitment to the “Sky Chief.” One of his most meaningful contributions was to the countless people he sponsored and supported through Alcoholics Anonymous. He proudly celebrated 46 years of sobriety and faithfully attended meetings, always making himself available to anyone who needed extra support on their road to recovery.
A true lover of animals, Don welcomed critters of all kinds into the family. His children grew up surrounded by horses and farm animals. His greatest weakness was dogs—of which he had many—and his favorite was the Irish Wolfhound, a breed whose gentle spirit and quiet dignity reflected his own nature. He learned to play the organ at a young age and later learned to play the bagpipes (much to the dismay of those living in the house as he practiced). He spent countless hours enjoying his bird feeders, cataloging every bird species that visited, and always reporting his findings to the family and carefully journaling every detail in his bird book.
Don was an avid reader, a master of word games, and found joy in life’s simple pleasures—none more so than listening to Christmas music year-round (something anyone at the Crystal Lake Sam’s Club would remember). Another passion was raising unique flowers and houseplants, sometimes waiting years for a single bloom—a true reflection of his remarkable patience. He was quite the prankster but a gentle soul, known for his kindness, tolerance, quick wit, and dry sense of humor, all of which will be deeply missed by his loving family.
Don’s legacy lives on in the love he gave freely, the values he modeled, and the quiet example of a life lived with grace. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Don’s life was marked by quiet strength, perseverance, and a deep commitment to the “Sky Chief.” One of his most meaningful contributions was to the countless people he sponsored and supported through Alcoholics Anonymous. He proudly celebrated 46 years of sobriety and faithfully attended meetings, always making himself available to anyone who needed extra support on their road to recovery.
A true lover of animals, Don welcomed critters of all kinds into the family. His children grew up surrounded by horses and farm animals. His greatest weakness was dogs—of which he had many—and his favorite was the Irish Wolfhound, a breed whose gentle spirit and quiet dignity reflected his own nature. He learned to play the organ at a young age and later learned to play the bagpipes (much to the dismay of those living in the house as he practiced). He spent countless hours enjoying his bird feeders, cataloging every bird species that visited, and always reporting his findings to the family and carefully journaling every detail in his bird book.
Don was an avid reader, a master of word games, and found joy in life’s simple pleasures—none more so than listening to Christmas music year-round (something anyone at the Crystal Lake Sam’s Club would remember). Another passion was raising unique flowers and houseplants, sometimes waiting years for a single bloom—a true reflection of his remarkable patience. He was quite the prankster but a gentle soul, known for his kindness, tolerance, quick wit, and dry sense of humor, all of which will be deeply missed by his loving family.
Don’s legacy lives on in the love he gave freely, the values he modeled, and the quiet example of a life lived with grace. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
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