Ira M. "Flare" Fredricksen

1925 - 2013

Fredricksen, Ira "Flare" M.

Ira "Flare" M. Fredricksen, 87, of Plymouth, passed away at Rocky Knoll Health Care Center early Monday morning, April 15, 2013.

Flare was born May 14, 1925 in Sparta, Wisconsin a son of the late Ira Fredricksen and Elsie Fredricksen. He attended Palmyra, Wisconsin grade schools, and graduated from Palmyra High School in 1943.

He enlisted in the U.S. Merchant Marine, seeing combat action in the Aleutian Islands, the Pacific and Atlantic Theatres of war, serving as an Able Seaman/Quartermaster. He also served with the Army Military Police in the Philippines as a Stockade Sargent, and served thirteen years as First Sergeant in the Wisconsin National Guard.

On December 9, 1945 he married Doris Lunde at Skoponong (currently St. Matthew's) Lutheran Church in Palmyra, WI. The couple resided in Palmyra, Waukesha and Madison before coming to Plymouth in 1979. Flare worked the majority of his life in the dairy industry prior to his retirement as Military Sales Manager for Land O' Lakes, Inc.

Flare was an Eagle Scout and he prided himself as a leader. He started three Boy Scout troops in the communities in which he lived. He was a Scout for 80 plus years, took three troops to the National Jamboree's and to one World Jamboree. He was awarded the District Award of Merit, The Silver Beaver, Vigil Honor of The Order of The Arrow, the Lamb Award and others.

Flare was also active in the American Legion. He was past commander of Post 304 in Palmyra, and Sgt. of Arms at Post 243 in Plymouth. Planning and implementing of the Plymouth Veterans Memorial Trail and participating in a Badger Honor Flight were two of his proudest moments.

He served as a Board Member of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Diabetes Association, past President of the Plymouth Food Pantry, former board member of the Plymouth Committee on Aging, a member of many Historical Associations and the Sons of Norway Lodge. Flare loved writing poetry and published two books.

Survivors include his devoted and loving wife, Doris, of Plymouth, WI , His children: Kristi (Bob) Sullivan of Madison, WI , Leif Fredricksen of Farmington Hills, MI, Eric Fredricksen of The Woodlands, TX, Karin (Bob) Cameron of San Diego, CA, Kirsten Mork of Madison, WI . Nine grandchildren: Kim (Ted) Nickel, Stephanie (Ric) Timmers, Judson (Jessica) Cameron, Caitlin Cameron, Kellie Anne Cameron, Tyler Fredricksen, Erika (Aaron) Lindseth, James Mork, Steele Fredricksen, Two step grandchildren: Trinity Sullivan, Ian Sullivan (Julia Hertel), Seven great grandchildren: Marisa Timmers, Anie Nickel, Jack Nickel, Riley Cameron, Chase Lindseth, Lundy Cameron and Channing Lindseth.

He was preceded in death by his parent's, his parent-in-laws, three brothers, aunts, uncles, great granddaughter: Maggie Nickel, his brother-in-law: Karel Lunde, and his son-in-law: Chris Mork.

Flare's favorite saying was; "Doing things for your community and others is just the rent you pay for being here." He will be missed.

Services will be held on Friday, April 19, 2013 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Plymouth. Visitation will be from 9:00 - 11:30 A.M. with a memorial service to follow at 11:30 A.M. Rev. James Wilson will officiate. Following Flare's wishes, his body has been donated to the University Of Wisconsin Madison Medical School.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Flare's honor may be made to Palmyra Historical Society, Plymouth Historical Society or Redeemer Lutheran Church.

The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth is serving his family. For online condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.



HOMEWARD BOUND

She's riding tonight

With a good light draft,

Lines are stowed

Forward and aft.

The holds are empty,

The ballast in.

Booms secured

And fast again.

She's swept and washed

From stem to stern.

And we're sailing for home

in the morning.

By Flare Fredricksen

Special thanks to Pastor Jim and Denise Wilson, Dr. David and Karen Smith, and family and friends and the staff of Woodland Village at Rocky Knoll Health Center for their loving care of Flare in his last days.