John Fredrickson

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

On Thursday, August 22, 2024, John Eric Fredrickson of rural Webb City left this world at age 89. He was born on January 9, 1935 in Webb City, Missouri, to Swedish immigrants Karl (“Charles”) Johan Fredrickson and Emma Kristina (Andersson) Fredrickson. They and John’s five older siblings predeceased him. 

Although John lost both parents before he reached adulthood, they instilled in him a strong love for family and friends. His generosity, clever wit, spunk, kindness, work ethic, and intelligence made him an important part of his community.

Through eighth grade, John attended Prairie Hill one-room school near the family home, where he walked uphill both to and from school, usually in snow as deep as the fenceposts or when it was so hot that the popcorn was popping in the fields, even though he started driving a Model A during that time. He graduated from Carl Junction High School, where he served as president of his FFA chapter. 

Following high school, he put himself through the University of Missouri (Mizzou), in 1958 earning a bachelor of science in agriculture. During that time, he enjoyed his summer job with the US Forest Service in Oregon. He retired from the USDA Resource Conservation Service, where he worked with local landowners to preserve soil, air, water, plants and animals. 

He loved gardening and was legendary for his cantaloupes and turnips. He often grew unusual garden plants so the kids could try new foods and learn about how things grow; he derived pleasure from keeping cattle for beef to go with the vegetables. As a child, John attended Pleasant Hill Methodist Church. As an adult, John was a long-time active member of New Hope Church, north of Carl Junction, including as a Sunday School teacher. He lived his beliefs.

After college, John was drafted into the US Army and worked in communications in Paris, France, at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers of Europe. While in Paris, he selected and purchased the lace that was to be part of his bride’s wedding dress. When he returned from France, he married Shirley Sue (Costley) Fredrickson on August 21, 1960 at New Hope. He liked to say that she was “surely costly,” but they made a great team raising and providing for their four children. John intentionally stuck around and planned for their 64th wedding anniversary, because he wouldn’t want to mess up a special occasion.

Surviving are John’s wife, Sue Fredrickson and children Kristina Fredrickson (Ron Russik), Martha (Jerry) Pope, Timothy Fredrickson, and Stephen (Tami) Fredrickson. He is also survived by seven granddaughters and one grandson, as well as three great-granddaughters. They are: Laura Riley, Erica (C.J.) Matthews, Haley Pope (Justus Edens), John Riley, Ashlyn (Jesse) Kennedy, Katie Fredrickson, Brooke Pope, Kallie Fredrickson, Shae Matthews, Alaina Meyer, and Shannon Matthews. Many more are counted as family, because John loved everyone.

John will be dearly missed by a multitude of relatives, neighbors, and friends who will love and remember him always. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pleasant Hill Cemetery Association, c/o Matt Winder, 26390 Locust Rd, Webb City MO 64870. John was the cemetery caretaker for many years.

A visitation with family will be held at New Hope Church on Friday, August 30 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. A celebration of life will be held at New Hope the following morning, August 31, at 10:30 AM. Interment will be at a later date at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home of Webb City.