Dale Fredrickson, age 89, was called home to be with the Lord, while surrounded by family on February 17, 2024.
Dale was born in Loyalton, South Dakota on July 9, 1934, to Anna (Loveland) and Oscar Fredrickson, as the seventh of their eight children.
With his father as the coach, Dale was able to begin playing ball at the early age of 12 for the Loyalton Baseball Team. Softball quickly became a passion for Dale. He played on several softball teams in Aberdeen and as a manager he led his team to the South Dakota Senior Games for many years. He and his brother Roy went on to be drafted by teams from Nebraska, Washington, and Winnepeg, Manitoba. Dale was so proud of the ring he earned as part of the winning team of the 2008 Senior Softball World Championship in Phoenix. Dale’s accomplishments were honored in 2009 when he was inducted into the South Dakota Softball Hall of Fame.
He attended grade school in Loyalton and went on to graduate in 1954 from high school in Ipswich, SD. As a team member while at Ipswich High, Dale helped to earn the 1952 State Class B Basketball Championship.
Dale met the love of his life and wife of 67 years, Leann Jones while attending Ipswich High School. After dating for five years, they were married on Father’s Day, June 17, 1956. Leann accompanied him to California while he served in the United States Marine Corps. Upon discharge, Dale and Leann returned to South Dakota where they made their home in Aberdeen. Dale was employed by Hub City Iron Store and went on to join the United States Postal Service in 1967 until his retirement in 1992. For seventy years, Dale honed his comedic Weeping Willie performance, bringing many to tears – of laughter.
In 1994 Dale was eager to join his siblings at Val Vista Village in Mesa, Arizona. He enjoyed the sunshine – it was a ball player’s dream! Dale and Leann continued spending their winters in Mesa, making many deep friendships over the years. Dale enjoyed spending his time playing softball, and later cornhole and shooting pool. Sharing a cup of coffee with friends was his favorite pastime.
Dale and Leann became the parents of Scott Dale in 1967 and Sara Leann in 1970. Dale is remembered for his deep love and support for his family and his generous spirit. As a devoted follower of God, Dale was a member of New Life Fellowship in Aberdeen, SD, and Mesa First Church of the Nazarene. Dale was known to invite new friends and acquaintances to attend his church and was always happy to share the word of the Lord.
Dale is lovingly remembered by his wife, Leann; sister, Ardyce Buntrock (Northglenn, CO); sister-in-Law, Gen Fredrickson (Grand Island, NE); son, Scott (Beth) Fredrickson (Sioux Falls, SD); daughter, Sara (Brian) Gayley (Paola, KS); grandchildren, Nathan (Jenelle) Fredrickson (Sioux Falls, SD), Shawna (Dustin) Riggins (Iowa City, IA), Jacob (US Marine Corps) and Jillian Gayley (Paola, KS); and great-grandson, Miles Riggins (Iowa City, IA).
Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Anna Fredrickson; and siblings, Clyde, Wayne, Myrtice, Lyle, Denys, and Roy.
To hear Pastor Rodney of New Life Fellowship speak in memory of Dale, please follow this link, https://youtu.be/7fYdXmcRqvs
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Just heard today at coffee that Dale went to be with his savior. My heart goes out to you and the family.
How can we ever forget Weeping Willy!! He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Jean Cray
We are saddened to hear of Dale’s passing. Our hearts go out to Leann and the family. We have such wonderful and dear memories from our Aberdeen days with you. We were so blessed by Dale and Leann in so many ways.
We thank the Lord for bringing them into our lives. Our prayers are with you and we rejoice to know Dale has heard the words of Jesus, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”