MICHAEL FREDRICKSON Michael C. Fredrickson, 61, of Las Vegas, passed away suddenly Friday, Feb. 14, 2014. Born Oct. 30, 1952, in Wood River, Ill., he was a resident of Las Vegas for the past 17 years. Mr. Fredrickson was a guitar instructor for Lied Middle School in Las Vegas for the past 17 years. He also played with several bands and with several Las Vegas shows, including "Tony and Tina's Wedding" and "A Tribute To Sammy Davis Jr." He is survived by his wife, of 23 years, Debra; parents, Chuck and Josephine Fredrickson; several aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews; and his cherished pets, Ne, Milk and T.C. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 8, at Palm Mortuary, 1600 S. Jones Blvd. Celebration of life in "Fred's" honor will follow noon-3 p.m. at the Palm Mortuary Hospitality Center, 1600 S. Jones Blvd. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Big Brothers and Big Sisters and/or Catholic Charities.

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Published by Las Vegas Review-Journal on Mar. 2, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL FREDRICKSON

Sponsored by Palm South Jones Mortuary.

74 Entries

Vanessa Lacy

February 17, 2022

Got the strangest feeling to figure out where Mr. Fredrickson was today. I get flashbacks to his classroom at Swainston MS 1999-2000 guitar class regularly and great memories flood back. What a patient teacher he was and a great man from what I've read here.
Thank you for occupying a little piece of my brain all these years, you are missed. My condolences to your family.

Rest in Greensleeves.

Jason Ortiz

April 7, 2017

I am deeply saddened to find this information. On this day, April 6 2017, my best friend of 23 years and I were talking and remembering good times when Mr. Fredrickson came up in our conversation. We laughed about how Jemaine Clement reminded us of him. I had the idea to check and see how he was doing only to find an obituary. He was my guitar teacher at Swainston Middle School back in 1998. He was also my friend's guitar teacher at the same time but in another school (must have been Lied). We are very fortunate to have known this man. He gave us the gift of creating music. My little sister fell in love with guitar because I played and now she will get a scholarship to Juilliard. My children love listening to me play. All of this legacy comes from Mr. Fredrickson's patience and talents as a teacher. Thank you for showing me the music sir. PS: Every time I hear "Ode to Joy", I can't help but flashback to the room full of Nylon string acoustics with nervous fingers straining the fretboards as he conducted at the front of the class.

April 8, 2016

Mike Fredrickson taught me how to play guitar 16 years ago at Lied. His passion for music and teaching is the reason I still play today.

Mike Shields

March 21, 2014

I was blessed to have known Mie, and to have shared many a stage with him in Las Vegas. He was the "GPS" for the rest of us! When we got lost, which often happened, he brought us back to where we needed to be! His tricky, tasty guitar chops were a great counterpoint to the straight ahead texture of the rest of the playing. It was a pleasure to make music with ya, Brother! I will see you again!

Mike Shields

March 17, 2014

Dear Chuck & Jo,
We were so sorry to learn about the loss of your son.

Our prayers are with you.

John & Nancy Valek
Ft. Pierce, Florida

Laura Tardino

March 15, 2014

Chuck and Jo , I'm so sorry for the loss of your son Mike . You both will be in my thoughts and prayers. Again so so sorry for your loss . Love you both. Catherine and Laura Tardino . Wood River Il.

Debra Fredrickson

March 12, 2014

My love, I am sending you our dear sweet old lady, Nenana today. Take care of each other now. I will miss you both and love you both always. I will cherish the moments we had together all the days of my life. God Bless & keep you always. Good night, love you, see you later. With all my heart.

Michael & Barbara Shandony

March 11, 2014

Chuck and Jo, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. From what others have written, it sounds like Mike not only picked up on your love of music, but your caring for other people as well.

Gina Wilde

March 10, 2014

They say hindsight is 20/20 and I know that's a true statement. If I could rewind a couple years, I wish that I had spent more time with my Cousin Mike.

Anaheim is not far from Las Vegas and I usually travel to Vegas about once a year. I enjoyed seeing Mike and Debbie a few years ago, but I wish that I had kept in touch more frequently.

Mike's music has influenced many people throughout his life but the greatest gift was the gift of music that he gave to so many children. His legacy with continue and his music will be heard as the children become adults and teach and inspire others to appreciate the art and beauty of music.
God Bless you Cuz!!

Josephine Fredrickson

March 9, 2014

I always knew that Michael would be an outstanding teacher; he had to be, because he even taught me, his Mother, to play the tamborine.

On his visits back home when we were out and happened to "catch" a band, he would say, "get up there Mom, and ask if you can "sit in" on the tamborine.
After I "did my thing" Mike would say, "good Job, Mom"

Also on these visits with us, he would join in on his Dad's piano gig at the American Legion Club in Springfield, Illinois. And then, of course, I would join in as well.

We'll miss these "family trio gigs" they were such fun.

Josephine Fredrickson, Mike's Mother

Rosie and Bob Howard

March 7, 2014

To my sister Jo and brother in law Chuck, and Debbie. Words can not express How sad to hear about the death of my nephew. We had à lot of good times and wonderful talks I will miss. Our thoughts and prayers Are with you. No that he is in heaven Playing music with the Angles. Love, your sister Rosie and Bob.

Edie and Tony Ventimiglia

March 7, 2014

It was so nice meeting you both Chuck and Jo. Was so sorry to hear about your son Mike. Our thoughts and prayers Are with you at this time. God Bless you. Edie and Tony Ventimiglia

Debbie Galgani-Kessler & Sons Music

March 5, 2014

I had dealt with Mike for years through working with Kessler & Sons Music. I was totally shocked to hear of his passing. Mike was always the sweetest, most polite person to work with. He will be truly missed.

The Kantaris family

March 4, 2014

Miss you Uncle Mike~Love you always!
Kaitlin, John & Dorothy

March 3, 2014

So sad to hear about Mike! I will forever cherish the times we had in the band.. May God comfort you, his family!
Gina Briskovich

Mike and Diane Zangori

March 3, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with Debbie, Uncle Chuck and Aunt Jo may God's loving hands hold you close. Mike has touched so many lives that his legacy will live on especially through his music.He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
God Bless, Love Mike and Diane Zangori

Cody & Mr. Fred May 2009

Christina Cris

March 2, 2014

I was shocked and sadden to hear about Mr. Fred's passing. He was my son Cody's guitar teacher at Lied MS from 2006 - 2009. I was so happy my son took his class and had the opportunity to learn to play the guitar from him. It was one of the most defining times of my son's life. He was a great mentor. As a result of his positive influence my son enrolled at LVA as a guitar major where he graduated with an Advanced Diploma and received the Guitar Oscar and Outstanding Guitarist of the Year Award 2012-2013.

Mr. Fred will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences to his wife and family.

Mark and Karen Fisher

March 2, 2014

Mr Fred was our son, Kyle, music teacher at Lied. During a re-zoning of our neighborhood which would have sent Kyle to Arbor, his immense sadness of losing Mr Fred as a teacher was evident. We found a way to keep Kyle at Lied. Mr Fred was an inspiration to Kyles music, he became an excellent guitar player because of it, and it gave him an outlet to invest his time. We loved the annual concerts and you could easily see that Mr Fred was touching these young peoples lives. He was the epitome of what teaching should be. To his family, our sincere condolences. We hope the fond memories and knowing how he touched so many students will carry you through this difficult time.

Bryan Morrow

March 1, 2014

Mike,

You are my closest cousin. That I will always remember. We didn't have to talk all the time but you were always there if I needed to talk. I will always keep the memories of when we were kids playing in grandma's yard. The one memory I will always have of you is how good of a heart you showed me and your kindness when we were always together. You treated me like a true brother. You are now one more reason why I will be so excited when I walk through the gates of Heaven. I love you and always will.

To my Aunt Jo and Uncle Chuck,

I love you both very much. As Mike is my closest cousin you are my closest aunt and uncle. I know words can only help just so much. That is why I pray and know that the Heavenly Father will carry you through these hard times. He knows what you are feeling for, He too, lost a son. Thank you for being such a loving aunt and uncle. Once again, I love you both very much and cherish the times when we talk and spend time together.

As we sorrowfully say "There he goes" heavenly angels are joyfully singing "Here he comes."

josie tardino

February 28, 2014

So sad to hear about Mike, he was à great Guy,and a loving cousin. I got to talk to him when Tony died, that was good .l remember good times especially our trip to Canada when wé were young. Thinking and praying for everyone. Much love your cousin Josie and fam.

Samuel Figueroa

February 27, 2014

Dear Chuck and Josephine,
Our deepest condolence on the passing of Mike. Please let us know if there is any assistance you need.
Dr. Sam & Mirka

dolores morrow

February 27, 2014

When I think of Mike, I see that little boy who came to our home to play with Barry, his cousin, many times. There were many forts built in the backyard. He and Barry are now together in heaven and I can hear them saying " We love you all dearly, now don't shed a tear, we're spending our Easter with Jesus this year." Love Aunt Dodie

Charles Fredrickson

February 27, 2014

From the bottom of our hearts, we extend our sincere gratitude for all the kind words being written about our beloved son, Michael. We can only add our memory of how we knew that his life was destined to revolve around music.

At an early age, he exhibited a lot of interest in my clarinet and saxophone. But then, with the arrival of the Beatles and other guitar bands onto the music scene, he switched to the guitar. It soon became apparent that the guitar woould be his instrument of choice.

During his college years, Michael continued to expand and perfect his musical education at Florida State University; we now know that his mastery of music and the guitar served him well. Indeed, it was his "passport" not only to the world of music education, but into the lives of his many students at Lied Middle School.

A final thought: A New Year's Eve party in North Port, Florida, in 1992, will forever remain in our memories. With his Mother, Josephine, and his Wife Debra in the audience and both "beaming" with pride, Michael and I were on stage playing in the band. It was a fun "gig" for all of us.

Michael"s parents: Chuck and Josephine Fredrickson, Godfrey, Ilinois

Jennifer (Gibbons) Hauser

February 26, 2014

Deb ... I was so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. Reading the tributes, he clearly lived life to the fullest and made such a difference to so many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

February 26, 2014

with love always will miss you julie brown

rick and christine elledge

February 25, 2014

we are so sorry for your lost

Mary Lowe-Duffey

February 25, 2014

I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his dear parents, Josephine and Chuck, and to his wife, Debra. I am terribly sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers for your family at this sorrowful time. May you find peace and strength with each passing day through the love and grace of God.

mike sullivan

February 24, 2014

Mike was our Sound man in 1973, great fun guy, our band was Blue Spring, Fred went everywhere with us, great fun.

Paula (Stracke) Watson

February 23, 2014

Sorry for your loss...Mike was special. I had a couple classes with him, and he was always there for a few laughs.

MARY NAVILLE- ELLEDGE

February 23, 2014

Mike was a classmate of mine from Grades 7 to 12 . He was a great person, always funny and well liked by all his classmates! You will be missed! Keeping his family in my Prayers!

Cynthia Affronti

February 23, 2014

Oh Deb,
Very, very sad news. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Cindy

BLUE SKY BAND

February 23, 2014

Steve Farmer

February 23, 2014

Fred, and I grew up together!
He was and is my best friend.
I will miss him.

tom flynn

February 23, 2014

hate to hear this ,we had some good times in the BLUE SKY BAND god bless

Pamela womack-Nesbit

February 23, 2014

So sorry for your loss. I remember Mike from our class. He was a very special person. Will miss him dearly.

Pati Towey Cherry

February 23, 2014

I only knew Mike as a young man while in school back in Wood River, IL but reading these tributes to him, I feel like I learned about the man he became. It sounds like he touched many lives with his music and personality. My condolences go to his wife and family. He is remembered fondly by the Class of 1970, East Alton-Wood River Community High School.

February 23, 2014

Saddened, but I have such good memories. My deepest sympathies, Carol Melton

Bill & Monica Hagen

February 23, 2014

We were shocked and so saddened to read of Michael's death. We followed his life through his parents, Charles and Jo Fredrickson and offer our condolences to them and to his wife, Debra. May the music he so personified offer solace at this sorrowful time.
Cousins: Bill and Monica Hagen Naples, FL

Jean Lundin

February 22, 2014

Mike,
I heard a bell ring today and I thought,"Wow! Mike has his wings!" You were OUR angel while you were with us, with your positive attitude and generous spirit. Your work with our students was so important. You have left us too soon, and we miss you more than you'll ever know. Watch over us, Guardian Angel Mike, and remember us, for we will never forget you. Your energy will be with us forever. I count my blessings that I had the privilege of being your friend and colleague. May you live in love and light and peace forever.
Jean

Colleen Hopkins Marmino

February 22, 2014

It's been years since we have seen one another. It saddens me to know how many times I have been in Las Vegas over the past few years and did not know you were there. I trust you had a wonderful life as have I. Bless your family and rest in peace my friend.

tristen

February 22, 2014

Mr.Fredrickson, I have known him for a while. my mom worked with him at lied ms.He was also my guitar teacher. In my sixth grade year he was my teacher. His class was my favorite. I miss him so much. I miss hearing bob marley or ozzy osbourne coming out of the room while he tapped a drumstick against his leg. God just wanted someone to play guitar for him. R.I.P Mr. Fred. say hi to bob marley for me

February 21, 2014

rock on Mr.fredrickson you rock

Diana R. Dyck-Allen

February 21, 2014

I may have only met Mike the one time, but I know and worked with Debra for about three years. I know that they were very happily married and treasured each other dearly. Mike's passing is a shock and I just want to be there for Deb in any way possible. Mike, please watch over Deb from the other side and make a place for her as you will meet up again eventually. We will take good care of her down here in the meanwhile. Blessing to Deb, her mother and Mike's surviving parents.

Melissa Littleford

February 20, 2014

Deb, my condolences and prayers go out to you and your family!

sue morrow

February 20, 2014

This is from a unknown author: Perhaps they are not the stars,but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones shines down to let us know they are with us. I know Mike is with Barry and George. My thoughts are with you Deb,Chuck, and Jo. Love you Sue M.

Alfonso Barragan

February 20, 2014

You were the best guitar teacher ever. guitar will never be the same with out you

Love Carl ,Mary Jane and family

February 20, 2014

So sorry for you loss, Michael will be in our thoughts and prayers

Donna Mack

February 20, 2014

Mike, I enjoyed our taks about NASCAR, and laughing during duty. You were a great delivery guy for Deb's Avon business. I love your layed-back demeanor, and happy-go-lucky attitude. You showed us all how wonderful it is to enjoy your job and make kids happy. You made SUCH A DIFFERENCE!!!!! You have left a legacy of music, laughter, and joy. It is not the same here without you.

Pam Wells

February 20, 2014

Mr. Fred was an amazing guitar teacher. Both of my boys had him for all three years of guitar class as well as pep band. He will be missed!

Debie & Mike Berigan

February 20, 2014

Mike, you will be missed dearly, we have many very fond memories and many good times as well. Much love to you Deb!

The "Whole" Berigan Family

Liza Gutierrez

February 19, 2014

I'm going to miss you Mr.Fred. You were an amazing teacher from when I went to Lied. I remember the first day I went to your class I knew I was going to like it. Then when I went there for the ROTC thing I saw you again and we chatted a bit. May you Rest in Peace Mr.Fred. Me, along with other students, will miss you and you will always be the best guitar teacher in my eyes.

Lyn Acebo

February 19, 2014

Mike, you are missed beyond measure. Your Lied family is thankful for all you were and will always be to us. Thank you for always supporting our kids in everything and always being the coolest guy on campus. I miss our daily hellos in Graphics. Rest in Peace and keep rockin'.
Deb, thank you for sharing your amazing husband with us.You will always be part of our school family.

February 19, 2014

Mike, you will forever live on in our hearts and minds. Debbie, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
We love you both, The Stegelands

February 19, 2014

My deepest sympathy.
Love and prayers,
Aunt Pauline
Thinking about you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Your cousin,
Maureen

Eric Phillips

February 19, 2014

I will miss you Mr. Fredrickson. You were always so positive, and you had a great sense of humor... the type of guy who brings joy to everyone's day!!!

Bob Morris

February 19, 2014

I interviewed Mike for the guitar teaching position in the Clark Country School District years ago. I could tell from the moment we met he would be a great teacher. I left the school district in 2002 yet Mike and I still stayed in touch over the years. I saw him at several music educator conventions. Our conversation always started just where we left off the previous visit. He touched so many lives with his teachings and always had a great sense of humor to go along with it. Mike will truly be missed by many. He was one of the good ones as they same. RIP my friend, until we meet again.

Anne Nowak

February 19, 2014

Glorious notes and measures for Michael that reach the farthest in to heaven.
Such a good man !

February 19, 2014

Mr.Fred, it's been almost 8 years since I took your class in middle school but my friends and I are all deeply saddened of the news. When ever Bob Marley and The Wailers are on I immediately get flashbacks of memories in class. You have impacted every single student that had the privilege of taking your class.

Leid Middle School advanced guitar 8th grade- 2013

Mark & Karrah Rodney

February 18, 2014

The kids always loved Mr Fred. From years of growing with guitar classes to 8th graders being involved with pep band. They loved it....and Mr Fred was the reason why. He has touched so many kids lives. He will be greatly missed.
This picture shows the fun they had. 8th graders - 2013 (Mark Dillon Rodney)

Cory Wells

February 18, 2014

Mr. Fred was the best teacher I've ever had. He was so involved in the class and he loved what he did. Rest in peace Mr. Fred.

Ruben Gonzalez

February 18, 2014

Eventhough we only met a handful of times, it was evident that Michael's love for music, pale in comparison to his love for his wife Debra. Each time we visited, music was a fabric of our conversations, yet, when Debra's name came up, he lit up like a child in a candy store. It was abundantly evident, that he was forever in love with his endearing wife. His caring and genuine interest in making this a better place, always brighten a room as if a switch turned on a thousand lights. His caring, and giving nature will be truly missed. I am forever grateful and blessed to have known him.

Stephanie Correnti

February 18, 2014

Thank you for being such a caring and understanding teacher. Anyone can have the privilege to teach, but it takes true dedication and such a kind heart to understand them. You were my favorite teacher at Lied 4 years ago. We will all miss you, your wisdom, and your kindness. My prayers will go out to your family. May you rest in peace.

Logan Swierski

February 18, 2014

I Did not Actually know Mr. Fred but my friend Jared did and he told me that Mr. Fred was a great Educator and Friend. I only hope that he's in a better place now

The Rodney's

February 18, 2014

Saying in words, what you brought to your students and the effect you had on their lives cannot be done, your selfless acts, love and caring for your students will always be your legacy....I will never know the number of lives that you touched, but I do know you touched ours....Thank you so much.

Lance Golding

February 18, 2014

A true hands on teacher and servant on the planet! We will miss your honesty and true dedication to your craft.

My love, I will cherish you forever. Thank you for being so good to me all these years. Good night, sleep well, luv ya, see you later. Love always!

Deb

February 18, 2014

Mr . Fred & George at LVA guitar concert

Melanie Thompson

February 18, 2014

Its enough for a teacher to like his students, its a whole other blessing when he understands them. You had a gentle way of drawing out the best in your students. My son learned to love the guitar and to recognize his own talents and abilities because of your guidance. YOU prepared him to get in to LVA and you spent probably a hundred hours preparing him for that audition. Every week i sent George with a check to pay you for all those afterschool lessons and every week George came home with a check ripped in half. Your students, including George love you because they see and feel and know when they are valued. The day George received his acceptance letter to LVA, you were the first person he wanted to share it with. You are forever a part of the tapestry of his life, You've woven your way into his very demeanor and his love of music. I cant convey the tremendous impact you have had on my son, you were an angel when he needed one in middle school, and you still are.

May our Lord hold you always in peace and also comfort your amazing wife, Deb with his grace and mercy.

February 17, 2014

Thanks for being a great teacher. You are my favorite. I am happy I got to visit you at Lied a couple of weeks ago.

Deborah Wallace

February 17, 2014

It has been years since we spoke, you were always a nice person, I will keep your family in my prayers, may you rest in peace...

Bill Swick

February 17, 2014

Mike has been a long-time friend and colleague and one of our shining stars in guitar education in Clark County School District. No doubt, the stars will continue to shine for our dear friend Mike. Mike has touched the lives of countless young guitar students and will be remembered for many, many years. Rest in Peace, Mike. Know you are loved and missed by many.

Dan Inchausti

February 17, 2014

https://www.facebook.com/dan.inchausti/posts/10203533258634388

Dan Inchausti

February 17, 2014

https://www.facebook.com/dan.inchausti/posts/10203532979587412

The Kantaris Family

February 16, 2014

RIP Mike (Uncle Mike) you are so loved and missed! You are a great person; a loving, loyal and dedicated husband; wonderful son, fantastic uncle, friend, teacher, "rock star" and brother! You're gone too soon-Deb, Jo and Chuck may you know the will, comfort and love of God's peace through this difficult part of life's journey. Know that we are on this journey with you and that we are here for you! You are all in our thoughts, hearts and prayers! With love always, John, Dorothy and Kaitlin

February 15, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time in your lives. May the many wonderful memories of Michael help console your hearts, and may the Lord bless you with love, peace, and hope. The Staff of Palm Mortuary, South Jones Chapel; Michael, Matthew, Beverly, Patricia, Vivian, Rachel and Aiko.

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