Pat Fredericks

With a lifetime defined by quiet loyalty, humor, and deep devotion to family, Pat Fredericks lived a story of love, resilience, and simple moments that meant everything. Pat was smart and funny. He never shied from life's challenges and knew how to balance hard work with good fun. Strong, protective, and a friend for life, Pat steadfastly supported those he loved. He proudly cheered on their endeavors, reflected their goodness at every turn, and helped whenever and however he could. A cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Pat will always be remembered by those he so dearly loved.

Born on an American military base in Frankfort, Germany, on July 31, 1949, Pat clearly remembered coming to the States at age four and eating ribs on the ship. His mother was a nurse, and his father served in the Army before transferring to the Air Force. Pat grew up moving from base to base and was the kid who” flew under the radar.” He wasn't involved in any sports or clubs, but he easily made friends. Once, in chemistry class, he and his partner basically faked the paper they wrote up on an experiment and still passed. After graduating from Portage Northern in 1967, Pat took a few classes at Ferris State.

While working at Aunt Millie's Bakery in Kalamazoo, Pat had the good fortune of meeting his future wife, Lori. Pat was 36 at the time, and Lori was 19, though she told him she was 23. Lori had just enlisted in the Navy, and Pat stayed in touch with her through letters, calls, and weekend visits when they could while she served her duty. His children were excited when he told them he bought an engagement ring, and when they married in 1988, everyone could see their love and commitment.

Pat and Lori shared a wonderful marriage. The perfect couple, they never argued; they even built a house without a single argument. Pat was a great dad; his kids always came first, and he never missed their special events. He proudly took his family to see some of the old military base homes and playgrounds on the East Coast, sharing big smiles along the way.

The steadfast provider, Pat, ensured his family had everything they needed and more. He worked at Aunt Millie's Bakery for his entire career. A friend helped him get the job, and he eventually became a Production Manager, forecasting production and scheduling. Extremely loyal to the company, he made his work look easy and brought home fresh bread for the family. When his kids were little, Pat would often work in the middle of the night and wanting to spend whatever time he could with them, he'd wake up his kids to have a snack, even though they just wanted to go back to bed sometimes.

A big kid at heart, Pat possessed a wonderful sense of humor and knew how to create a good time. He always had the first video games and computers. Star World was a favorite hangout, and Miss Pac-Man was his favorite game. He taught his kids all the “cheats” to win. Pat often took his kids to the zoo, sang songs, and played silly games with them. He always had quotes to joke with, including "May the bird of paradise fly up your nose." Fiercely protective, Pat loved his kids deeply, he ensured they were safe, and he trusted them. Slightly gullible, he would always fall for what his kids told him. Without a doubt, Pat's family was his greatest joy. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and treasured every moment they shared.

Pat enjoyed the simple pleasures of mowing the lawn, going to the bar, hunting, fishing, camping, biking and bowling. His favorite place to hunt, fish, hike, and bike was Fort Custer Recreation Area. He wanted to share his outdoor skills with his kids and taught them how to fish and shoot. He enjoyed hunting trips with his friends, Jessie and Truman, and taking epic trips with his family. Always confident in the face of a challenge, Pat could figure anything out. He knew how to care for plants and lovingly remodeled his garage to make a lovely suite for his mom. He did all the wiring, and it even passed inspection.

When the family traveled, Pat served as itinerary planner and pilot, while Lori navigated. He fell in love with the West - Yellowstone, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and the Badlands. He loved the bison and natural landscapes, and visiting battlefields all across America. He'd enjoyed researching before these trips, reading about the parks, the battlefields, and various places along their routes. He enthusiastically believed part of the adventure was not just getting to the destination, but the places discovered along the way.

Though our days with him were far too few, every moment we shared with Pat is a treasured gift. As we celebrate his wonderful life, may we find comfort in our many wonderful memories and in the honor of carrying his legacy forward. In each moment we lead with our hearts, welcome the day as a gift, greet a stranger as a friend, confidently navigate challenges, share a hearty laugh, share adventures with our beloved, and ensure those we care for are safe and have what they need, we keep Pat's memory alive and remember to live each moment to the fullest.

Frederick Patrick Fredericks, of Kalamazoo, age 76, was born July 31, 1949, in Frankfurt, Germany, to Fritz and Edith (Crawford) Fredericks. He was preceded in death by parents; daughter, Jackie Fredericks; brother, John Fredericks; and sister, Sharon Fredericks. Surviving are his wife, Lori; children: Patrick (Brenda) Fredericks, Becky (Ron) Perkins, and Lindsey (Mathew) Lee; grandchildren: Jerry (Kimberly) Vorva, Ashley Vorva, Devon Hopper, Shawna Fredericks, Shianna (David) Noble, Kaitlyn Fredericks, Jerika Mack, Taylor (Dan) Dinsmore, Peyton (Jay) Vendeville, Cameron Danna, and Alayna Danna; great-grandkids: Jaxon, Kolton, Kaden, Ezra, Yemoja, Myles, Mekenna, Davey, Jayton, Savvana, Jayce, Grey, and Maevan; and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Friday, April 24, from 5-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Parks Foundation, the Wounded Warrior Project, or a charity of your choice.