Gary Einar Fredrickson of New Auburn, WI passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023 at Brentwood Memory Care in Rice Lake, WI.

Gary was born in Chicago, IL on May 21, 1937 to Einar Carl and Blanche Theresa (Anderson).

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Dick, Jack, and James.

Gary married his childhood sweetheart Margaret (Peggy) on December 8, 1957 in Inglewood, CA. They raised two boys, Brian and Todd while Gary was serving our country in the United States Air Force. He retired after 28 years of distinguished service as a CMSGT. His assignments included 15 different Air Force bases around the country and much of the world. His military career was full of honors and achievements that made his family so proud, he was such a good man.

After his amazing Air Force career, Gary and Peggy purchased Outer’s Resort in Chetek, WI in July of 1983 where they would welcome visitors to the resort on the beautiful Chetek chain of lakes. Many of their customers became great friends and would return year after year for the summer months in WI. They sold the resort in 2002 and have resided in New Auburn, WI ever since.

After serving his country Gary passionately served his community through many organizations to include the Chetek Lions Club, Chetek Resort Owners Association and was a founding member of both the Chetek Lakes Protection Association and Chetek FishORama. Because of these contributions and many more, Gary was named the Indianhead Country Sportsmen of the Year in 2000.

Gary also had many interests throughout his life. Early on in his career and all through life, he was a very avid Bass fisherman and attended many tournaments, clubs and very special adventures to Chequamegon with his best buds. He also enjoyed bowling where he was a member of leagues and participated in tournaments with his two sons at Chetek Lanes. Later on he found a new passion – golf, but he never stopped the fishing and bowling! For several years, he was a regular for leagues at Pine Crest Golf Course and also a member of his traveling crew of buddies every Thursday. He also loved playing golf with Peggy and his family on their visits.

Gary will always be remembered by his love for life, family, friends, and community. He was always so proud of them all. He was honest, decent and always happy to lend a hand. He was a great role model for his sons and an amazing husband to Peggy. He has left his positive mark on many of us and will be sorely missed, but we are comforted knowing he can now rest in peace.

Gary is survived by his wife of over 65 years, Margaret (Peggy) Fredrickson, and sons, Brian (wife Linda) and Todd (wife Shari), and granddaughter Kristina Fredrickson.

Visitation and sharing of memories will be held at the Burnham-Ours Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Chetek, WI from 1pm – 4pm on Monday, August 7th. Full military honors and interment will be held at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans' Memorial Cemetery near Spooner, WI at 11am on Tuesday, August 8th and all are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, consider a donation to the Chetek Lakes Protection Association, Inc. (CLPA) who Gary was a founding member of.

Last Update: Aug 03, 2023 11:49 am CDT