Ishpeming Twp. - Donald L. Frederickson, age 78, of 240 Stoneville Road, Ishpeming, went to meet his son in heaven on August 8th, 2011. Donald passed away at the Marquette General Hospital, where he had been a patient.

Donald was born April 27, 1933 in Ishpeming the son of the late Henry and Elsie (Hyttsten) Frederickson. He married his wife Kathryn (Lundin) on October 7, 1961, and together they had two children, Cheryl and Donald.

Donald graduated from Ishpeming High School in 1951, and was a member of the school band. He celebrated his 60th class reunion on July 2nd, and was happy to be able to spend that time with many old friends. He worked as a salesman O.K. Auto Supply for 30 years, until he retired for health reasons. Donald was also a member of the Michigan National Guard for 12 years. He was a member of the NICE Community School Board of Education for 24 years, watching the school grow from foundation to a full school. Donald also worked as a volunteer at Bell Memorial Hospital installing Lifelines in people's homes. Don also served as a volunteer fireman for several years with the Ishpeming Twp. Fire Department.

Donald loved music, and was a member of the Negaunee Male Chorus and Strictly Gospel, which was his greatest love. He loved to sing and perform, and especially loved all of his fellow chorus members. Don was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming, where he belonged to the "Grumpy Old Men" group. He, along with his partner in crime Ed Holmgren and his fellow "grumps" met every other Wednesday to solve the problems of the world over donuts and coffee. He left his mark at Bethany through a number of woodworking projects.

Don was an avid camper for nearly 50 years. He and his wife acted as hosts at the Baraga State Park for a number of years. He had many camping buddies, and especially enjoyed sitting around the campfire with his dog Sammy on his lap.

Don's favorite pastime was woodworking. He made many clocks and other projects that he enjoyed giving away to friends. He also loved to carve, especially walking sticks. He was especially proud of his Green Bay Packers walking stick commemorating the 2010 Super Bowl. He was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan, and shared in many (fun) arguments over coffee with the guys at Burger King every morning. He was also a fan of the Detroit Tigers, and loved to tease his friend John C. about the games.

Don especially looked forward to his Saturday morning coffee sessions with his buddies Neil and Dennis. The three took great delight in finding new ways to torment Don's wife (but not until they ate her weekly homemade desserts). Don and Neil loved to make wine together at "Balducci's Winery". Together they produced a number of tasty wines to share with friends.

Donald is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Kathryn of Ishpeming, and his daughter Cheryl of Marquette, his sister Marian Franti of Ishpeming, brothers-in-law Robert (Beth) Lundin and Charles (Tina) Lundin, all of Ishpeming, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was also a host parent to exchange students Carsten Garberding (Germany), and Alfonso Parra (formerly of Columbia, now in Texas). He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers - Robert and Raymond, son Donald, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law - Francis and Joyce Lundin, and brothers-in-law - Melvin Korpi and Victor Franti.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 9 until 11 am on Thursday, August 11, 2011 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. Funeral services will follow at 11:00am on Thursday at Bethany Lutheran Church with the Rev. Warren Geier to officiate. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Neil Oysti, Dennis Tasson, Paul Korpi, Roland Korpi, Ed Holmgren and John Croze.