Harold Alexander Frederick

Harold Alexander Frederick, 88, passed away on September 29, 2025. He planned to live much longer but had a full life focused on family, trees and community service. Harold was born October 26, 1936 to Otto and Jeanette Frederick in Duluth (Smithville to be exact).

 He attended Morgan Park High School and UMD. While in college, he worked at his brother Herb’s Standard Oil gas and service station. Harold married Ruth Wilder in December 1959. They lived in Minneapolis while Harold attended the University of Minnesota Law school, graduating in 1961. Harold had many cherished friends from his Morgan Park and law school days. Returning to Duluth, he joined the City Attorney’s Office and later became Duluth’s City Attorney. In 1968, he joined the Fryberger, Buchannan, Smith, Sanford and Frederick law office, now known as the Fryberger firm.

Harold took pride in his legal work, colleagues and clients, many of whom became family friends. He enjoyed sharing stories of his co-workers’ families, especially their children’s athletic and academic endeavors. He was proud of his home city and along with his wife Ruth aimed to contribute to Duluth’s success. Harold served on many boards including the Duluth School Board, the Duluth Charter Commission, the Duluth Arena-Auditorium, Duluth Downtown Development Corporation, Greater Downtown Council, Duluth-Superior Symphony Association, Minnesota Public Radio, Minnesota State Historical Society among others.

Harold was an annual Grandma’s participant and ran races across the country and internationally. He loved his running partners and created an annual Turkey Trot on Park Point. Harold ran his last half-marathon at age 80, alongside many of his family members, and placed first in his age group. His first passion, though, was trees, especially White Pines which he said were the “most majestic of trees.” Harold planted hundreds of trees at his beloved Brule property where visitors could expect a detailed tour of each tree and it’s origin. Together, Harold and Ruth enjoyed traveling with friends and creating beautiful gardens at their home.

Harold was a proud father and grandfather, learning all he could about each family member’s interests ranging from running, ballet, agates, and soccer to drums, toy stores, recycling, art, and skiing. He was intrigued by his father’s Swiss heritage and took his family to Switzerland where they met new relatives in the Frederick town of origin.

Harold is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ruth, his children Julie (Tim) Metos, Adam (Cynthia) Frederick and Emily (Jeff) Boyd, and grandchildren Thomas, Grace, Ruthie, Henry, Jax and Alex, as well as eleven nieces and nephews that he loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Herb Frederick, and his best friend/brother in-law Clare Goldsmith.

In honor of Harold, please plant a tree and donate to the Duluth Aquarium, another Duluth non-profit of your choice, or the Minnesota DFL.

A memorial service honoring Harold’s life will be held on October 10 at 10:00 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth at 835 West College Street with visitation thirty minutes prior, and a reception to follow.

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. Chinese Proverb

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home 218-727-3555.