Donald Fredrichs, 92, of Artesian, died Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, at his home under hospice care.
Funeral services were Wednesday, March 1, at the Bittner Funeral Chapel in Mitchell, with burial at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Artesian. Visitation was from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the Chapel.
Donald James Fredrichs was born June 25, 1924, in Mitchell to William and Genevieve (Allen) Fredrichs. He began and ended his circle of life where his grandparents homesteaded in 1883. Don attended grade school at Sheldon School and graduated from Artesian High School. He resided in Sanborn County all his life, except for a brief period in the Oklahoma oilfields.
He married Dolores Dechow in September of 1953, and they made their home at rural Forestburg, where they ranched and farmed, raising three children, cattle, hay and crops. Don’s patience and dedication provided for five years of caring for Dolores. After a tractor accident in 2007, and recuperation, he was active in the cattle operation until the fall of 2016.
For the past nine years, Don had been residing at the farmhouse where he and his brother, Wesley, grew up. The last few months of his life, though difficult and restricted to a wheelchair, he was able to watch the countryside and cattle activities. The years of hard work resulted in the fun of storytelling to family and friends.
In addition to farming and ranching in the Forestburg and Artesian areas, Don held several positions over 54 years on the Silver Creek Township board. He also served on the Forestburg School Board and participated in the Farm Bureau organization. For several years, he provided area representation and testimony in Pierre for the water and soil stewardship.
Don is survived by his children, Sharon of California, Judy of Artesian and friend, Tom Peckenpaugh, Leon (Mary) of Wrangell, Alaska; and his cat, Simba.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores, in November of 2007; brother, Wesley, in 1943; and his parents.