Obituary: Eric Fredrickson

As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home:

Eric Michael Fredrickson, 50, a resident of Greenville, Michigan, passed away on February 2, 2022, in Marshall, Michigan. He was born on June 23, 1971 in Laurium , Michigan , the first son of George Rudy and Janet (Ruonavaara) Fredrickson.

Eric was a graduate of Hancock High School Class of 1989 and was a member of both the National Honor Society and the championship team on WNMU-TV’s High School Bowl. He was a member of the Hancock High School Track Team and continued running long after leaving school. For several years he ran the 5K in the annual Melon Run in Howell, Michigan. In recent years he was one of the organizers of the Class of 1989 Hancock reunions.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering and a Master Degree in Operations Management from Michigan Technological University.

Eric was a Quality Manager in the auto industry and was employed by Olympic Laser Welding, Key Plastics, and ZF. At the time of death, he was a Corporate Regional Quality Manager for Tenneco in Grass Lake, MI. During his employment with these companies, he traveled extensively in Mexico, Canada and Europe.

A longtime member of Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church, Eric served as an Elder. For 3 years he served as team manager of the of the slow-pitch softball team in the Church League. The Saints Peter and Paul team took the championship twice in the 3 years that Eric was the manager. He also served as Director of the Slow-Pitch Softball Church League for 3 years.

While a student at Michigan Tech he was the Student Academic Advisor for players on the Michigan Tech Hockey Team and formed many strong friendships with the players and coaches.

While living at home, he could often be found on the Portage Lake Golf Course with his father Rudy and in more recent years while on vacation, with his much-loved Uncle Michael.

He was married to Stephanie Zumbaugh on April 8, 2006 at Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church.

Eric’s daughter Kaija was his pride and joy and the light in his life. He taught her to swim at a very young age and they spent countless time in the pool at their condo clubhouse in Howell, Michigan.

Eric served on the Board of his condo association for many years and was responsible for the long-range planning for the maintenance of the buildings.

Preceding him in death were his father, George Rudy Fredrickson, Grandparents August and Mary Fredrickson and Norman and Esther Ruonavaara. Also, much loved Uncle and Aunt Kaye D. and Barbara Jackson.

Surviving are his wife Stephanie of Greenville and beloved daughter Kaija at home; mother and stepfather Janet and Roger Turpening; brother and wife Jon Peter and Lisa Fredrickson and children Sean and Ayla of Roscommon. Uncle and Aunt ,Ken and Bonnie Ruonavaara of Saginaw; Uncle, Michael Ruonavaara of Houghton; Aunt, Zoe Ann Vicory of Las Vegas. Also, special loved cousins, Todd (Cathy) Ruonavaara, Roxanne Rauch, Renee Robinson, Connie (Peter) Koski, Julie (Mark) Hansen, Terri Rauch, Debbie (Jim) Souchek, Heidi (Tom) Seel, and Tim Jackson. Also, special lifelong friends Bill Kriege and his family, and Scott Aden.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 25, 2022 at Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church in Houghton with Pastors Aaron Gehrke and Kevin Bender officiating. Spring interment will be a Lake View Cemetery in Calumet. Friends may call at the church for an hour before services. Guests are encouraged to wear masks during services at the church. The service will be live stream broadcast from the church at www.copperluth.org/eric.

Memorials in lieu of flowers can be made to Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church, 1010 Madeline Street, Houghton MI 49930.

The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.