Michael G. Fredericks

Michael G. Fredericks obituary, Southfield, MI

Michael G. Fredericks

Michael Fredericks Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 27, 1993.
Sargeant First Class Michael Gordon Fredericks was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan the fourth child of John and Pat (Kurth) Fredericks. His older siblings Beth, Lori and John were very excited to finally have teams - two boys and two girls! Later, in 1967, the boys won out when brother Steve was born and the boys outnumbered the girls. In his autobiography, written as part of his LA Sheriff training application in 1990, Mike wrote, "I was in my elementary school library when I was about ten years old and I came across a tall, thin, hardcover picture book titled, 'The Green Berets' by C.B. Colby. I honestly believe it was at that young point in my life that I made the decision on what was to become my future career choice." In 1974, Mike discovered Camp Tanuga in Kalkaska, Michigan. He was a camper, and later became a staff member and volunteer for life. His friends at Camp Tanuga honored him by carving a totem pole in his honor in 1995. Michael enlisted in the United States Army right out of high school in September of 1977. Over the next 16 years he served with the 20th Engineer Brigade, the 75th Ranger Regiment, and the 5th Special Forces Group. At every level of training, Mike was called out as "#1 basic trainee", "recruit of the cycle", or "distinguished honor graduate." He wrote a letter home just prior to leaving for Zaire, Africa in 1989 that if anything happened to him to take his ashes to Camp Tanuga...have a huge bonfire...sit around and tell stories about the fun and wild things we did...and let him stay at camp forever. Michael G. Fredericks went missing from Ft. Bragg, North Carolina on Saturday March 27, 1993. He went to Camp Mackall for his regular weekend rucksack run. He parked his car, put his keys and wallet in his desk, strapped on a 50-pound pack and took off into the woods. He never came out. At least no one ever saw him again until he was found two weeks later. Michael had been shot at close range, murdered and left in the river. His murder remains unsolved. Michael's life was celebrated at Camp Tanuga and his spirit, "the eagle", will be there forever. Mike was a simple, fun guy. He was crazy about his cars, his music, his blue jeans and t-shirts that looked so great across his well-trained, buff bod. He loved the solitude of the woods and at the same time, he loved that he had devoted his life to protecting his country. Mike also loved to sing along with one of his favorite musicians, Jimmy Buffet. When our family gets together, at some point in the party, someone pumps up the volume and we all start singing loud and proud for Mike - - "Cheeseburger is paradise Heaven on earth with an onion slice Not too particular not too precise I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise" Next time you hear that song, maybe you'll sing along and remember him too.

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Sign Michael Fredericks's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 4, 2024

Leila Daehler posted to the memorial.

April 7, 2024

Steve MacKillop posted to the memorial.

August 10, 2022

Kathleen Woolrich posted to the memorial.

Leila Daehler

June 4, 2024

to this day I always have Michael in my thoughts and prayers. He was not only a boyfriend, for many years, an honor to have been married to him, but most importantly he was my best friend and we always stayed in contact, no matter what. When CID contacted me, I knew in my heart he was gone. I will never forget that day or the loss I felt. To this day, I remember the joy, the laughs and the wonderful friendship we shared. I was truly blessed and grateful to have him in my life and we are as well truly less because he is not here. I will never forget you or the joy we shared. I as you know, hated the "chess burger in paradise " song , but we still have the John Cougar song !! I still love you and miss you!! And I hope your family finds peace one day, we will not get the answers nor the why´s, but he was a honest, open and beautiful person, who loved his family, friends and country! Again, I have been humbled and honored to have him in my life.

Steve MacKillop

April 7, 2024

I was an elementary school friend of Mike’s - we grew up in the same neighborhood. I vividly remember going to the library with him - he always checked out military books - Leathernecks was one I remember distinctly. We also played together with our GI Joes. I also remember Mike was an incredible athlete. He could climb the rope to the ceiling at Evergreen Elementary School in a flash without using his legs. We played football together in Jr. High. With Mike’s speed, strength and athletic ability, I truly believe he could have played D1 Football if that was of interest to him. But he had much higher aspirations - to serve his country in an incredibly meaningful way.

I have thought of him often over the years. What an incredible waste.

Kathleen Woolrich

August 10, 2022

He was a boyfriend of mine in Fayetteville

KC cromwell

April 23, 2021

Almost 30 years ago Mike and I were in Ranger School together. I still miss him and always will.

Adam Park

March 26, 2021

Miss you brother

Lori Fredericks

March 22, 2021

Coming up on 27 years later.....still sucks, still unresolved. My email is [email protected] and if there is anyone out there who can help with this sad, sad case, I would love to hear from you. Mike deserves more.

Donnie lynn

June 23, 2020

My name is Donnie Lynn i was Micheal last roomate before he was killed.could someone who knows about this case contact me via Facebook. I like to share information on what i remember

kathleen woolrich

March 26, 2020

I miss you terribly. You were such a support to me the fall of 1989 and a big love for me. I miss you so much and I wish I could still talk to you

Adam Park

March 26, 2019

God Bless my friend

Beth Fredericks

March 25, 2019

It's hard to believe Mike's been gone for 26 years. This year, like my other sibs, I imagine him together with our stepdad and our mom who passed in November. No one forgets him, we all think of him often, play his Jimmy Buffet faves, and hug each other. Our nephew and Mike's namesake, Michael Jack, is the keeper of the momentos, medals, photos and more that we saved from Mom's collection. I was so happy he stepped up to that job as we cleared out her house.

Keep your memories close to your heart today. <3

Lori Fredericks

January 14, 2019

Today would have been Mike's 60th. birthday. I haven't been able to celebrate a birthday with him for 26 years. Our mom, Pat Kurth died a few weeks ago and I hang on to the hope that they are celebrating this birthday, together. They've waited a long time for that. She died with that same sadness in her heart that she has felt for 26 years. Since the day Mike was so senselessly murdered by some low life excuse of a human being. I still hold on to the hope that one day we'll know who and what kind of person could do this. Mike will never be forgotten and I miss him a lot.

Lee Joseph

March 27, 2018

You are missed, Michael
RIP brother

Instructor, Sapper Leader Course 85-86 SFC Fredericks standing, leading the SLC in RB-15 ops

Laurence Brian Watson Sr

February 2, 2018

May Sapper Leader Fredericks rest in peace.

Sapper Leader Course Instructor 1985-86, SLC Started April 1085

Laurence Brian Watson Sr

February 2, 2018

SFC Michael G. Fredericks was an elite NCO leader, Airborne Ranger
who came to Fort Leonard Wood Missouri to help start the Sapper Leader Course in early 1985. He was a very professional, exemplary NCO Instructor in his service to the Combat Engineer leadership course that has become an elite Army School. Sapper Leader Course earned the distinguished honor of the "Sapper Tab" in 2005-06 time frame.
My deepest condolences to Mike's family and friends. I am very sadden to hear of his very untimely passing. May God bless you with peace.
Sincerely, Brian Watson, 1st Commandant, SLC 85-86

Gary Gerloff

October 8, 2017

Mike was my partner in our LASD Academy Class in 1991. We road to class each day, sat together, participated as partners, studied after class, and ran the beach many times together on our free time. There has not been a day that has passed that I have not thought about Mike. He took me under his wing and showed me the ropes on how to survive the stress academy. My wife remembers him and my two kids have heard some epic stories about him. It has been a while since he has passed away, but I am still heartbroken. I will forever remember you brother. Thanks for your guidance, thanks for your friendship, and thanks for the memories. May God bless you and comfort your family and friends. Peace to you my friend. Former Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff Gary Gerloff.

Adam Park

September 26, 2017

I miss you and think about you often my good friend.. I miss our talks... and still have the gift you gave me before you left.. Tonight I finally decided to send this message, because I still cannot believe it, ever since that evening I read that teletype while working the front desk at BC. LASD God Bless you Mike and also to your family.

Tamra Fell

July 8, 2017

Never forgot about Mike a Great guy we used to hang out good times In Savannah.

Lori Fredericks

March 27, 2017

Now 24 years later, still angry about this ridiculous act of violence and to top it off, we lost Herm several months ago who was a huge supporter of our family and great strength for our Mom throughout all the nights spent at Ft. Bragg and all the sadness the family went through all while feeling that same pain. Mike loved him. At least now we have both Mike and Herm watching over us. I never stop thinking about my young brother.

KC CROMWELL

September 4, 2016

Rereading old posts and looking at the new ones, it took me back to 1982 when we met at Ranger School. He remains an inspiration every day.

kc

Tracy lyndon

June 2, 2016

If possible, I would like to visit Camp Tanuga and see SFC. Frederick's memorial. I too used to ruck run at Camp Mackall when I was training at the JFK Center. I even enjoyed a brief conversation with him one afternoon on the firebreaks there. Though we were not really permitted to speak with each other, we both expressed to each other our respect for the forest. When this fine soldier went missing, my fellow engineer students participated in the search and recovery efforts with SFC Frederick's fellow instructors. It was my most difficult duty at Ft. Bragg. Weeks later, after He was discovered, my team in the engineer course was ordered to build a wooden structure over a peculiar hour glass shaped bridge there in the Engineer Camp at Camp Mackall. Upon completion of that structure, I requested that the structure become known as the SFC Michael G. Fredericks Memorial Bridge. Upon my leaving Ft. Bragg in 1994 I was informed that request was approved. Hopefully Green Beret Engineers still walk across it today. My heartfelt warmest sorrow reaches out the family and fellow woodsmen of this stalwart soldier and peace officer. SFC Fredericks remains my example of human being to look up too.

Jen Bates

April 19, 2016

I'm looking to create a scrapbook page in memory of Michael. He was a dear friend to my Mother and I have a photo of him (or who I think to be him). can someone confirm if he lived in Alaska with his family in his youth around the time of 1970-1972? Sending warm memories and loving thoughts forever. You were a great example of a hero to me.

Beth

March 27, 2016

All the way in Singapore today in 2016 I am thinking about you and always knowing you are watching over us. RIP. xxx

Nick Mogielnicki

October 20, 2015

Mike and I were in the same RIP class and same Ranger school class(10-82).
We were friends, he was a good man, I lost touch with him when I left 1st Bn. in 1983. I just happened by chance on a picture of him via a Google search and it took me here. To Mike's family I am so very sorry for your loss.
I just cannot believe someone could do that to another human being.

Irene

December 30, 2008

I also worked at Camp Tanuga when I first meet Mike.
Mike, you will always be in my heart.
My condolences to the family.

Lori Fredericks

May 27, 2008

His whole life after high school is a memory to me. I was proud to call him my brother. He made me laugh a lot. He was as dedicated to the army as he was dedicated to fun and I miss his humor all the time. He was an awesome guy.

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Not sure what to say?

June 4, 2024

Leila Daehler posted to the memorial.

April 7, 2024

Steve MacKillop posted to the memorial.

August 10, 2022

Kathleen Woolrich posted to the memorial.