Obituary
Franz Otto Fredricks
Franz Otto Fredricks, age 67 of La Crosse, WI passed away on May 3, 2021 with his loving family at his side at home after a short but hard fought battle with lung cancer. He was born to Howard and Mary Edna Fredricks on August 27, 1953, in La Crosse, WI. He was welcomed by five older adoring sisters.
Franz attended Campus School, but later graduated from Aquinas High School in 1971. He enlisted in the US Army upon graduation. He was trained as a Veterinary Specialist, Health Physicist, and Nuclear Powerplant Procedures Control Specialist/Operator. He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life in 1975 while stationed in Hawaii. After discharge from the Army in 1979, he continued to serve his country through his continued work as a consultant in the field of Emergency Response Management and Preparedness. Many he worked with referred to him as “the fixer.” He lived and worked in numerous places around the country/world, but loved nothing more than the rivers and bluffs, and family time in La Crosse and up north on the lakes walleye fishing.
He is sadly leaving behind his wife of 46 years, Sally (Ellenz); his daughter, Gretchen (Michael Myre), and their children, Alexa, Elise, Meghan, and Kate; son Erich (Amy) Fredricks and their children Brianna, Cale, and Alaina; his father-in-law, Dr. George Ellenz; his sisters, Shari Wallace, Mary Fredricks, Kathi Fredricks; and brother- and sister-in-laws Dr. Susan (Dr. Robert McGarry) Ellenz, Dr. Dan (Cyndi) Ellenz, Dr. Mary Ann (Kevin) Campbell and several cherished nieces and nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law Margaret Ellenz; sisters and brother-in-laws, Sue (Don) Schieche and Toni (Darrell) Fowler, brother-in-law Ron Moyer.
He enjoyed fishing, music, sports, walks and hikes with his dogs. Franz was a man of great integrity, perseverance, intelligence, dedication, wisdom, honesty, loyalty, and humor. He will be incredibly missed, but his fierce and unwavering spirit will be carried forth by his surviving family members.
His beautiful children wanted more years, but are thankful for the COVID summer that allowed grandpa to be working nearby and give us many wonderful memories of fishing at the lake and tales around the campfire. His family was everything to him, and he required little time with someone to make a profound impact. His job kept him away from many routine life events, but he lived for family meals, watching kids, and then grandkids’ sports events (a little too enthusiastically at times). He loved listening to music (loudly), walking in the woods, and Goose Island. He was able to have a “last dance” –despite little energy– with Sally a few days before he passed. He would be proud of how his family surrounded him and allowed him the dignity of dying at home.
He hopes to be welcomed to the afterlife by his beloved dogs Sheba, Char, Abby, Alex, Bear, Coby, Sadie, Stella, and will be sadly missed by his current walking four-legged partner, Zoey.
In accordance with his wishes, a private family service and celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Everyone who remembers him is asked to celebrate in their own way, with a glass of scotch if you choose.
Franz loved just as strongly as he fought. He did everything in his power to fight the best fight he had, and continued to put others before himself in his dying days.
Your work here is done, dad. Fly High. Sleep Well.
Dogs Welcome. People Tolerated.
Franz was a good man. I was fortunate to be one of his team mates at Aquinas. He was a hard worker and always did things the right way. Franz was a very emotional and spirited man. We’ll all miss him. God bless Sally, their children and their extended family.
Your friends and colleagues from the Army Nuclear Program send their condolences to Sally and the entire Fredricks family on the recent loss of Franz. He will be remembered as a consummate professional member of the small nuclear power plant program in the late 70’s. We share your loss and hope you can find strength in the memories he left behind. God Bless you all and may he Rest In Peace in a place where he is free from the pain he suffered in his last days.
Do remember him from the FESA Program. I am from the NE corner of Iowa and also shared his love of The Driftless Area.
73
Sally & family I’m so sorry for your loss. Thoughts, prayers, and hugs to all. I realize high school was many moons ago but many fun memories of you Franz!
I am sipping on a scotch right now – Iam normally not a scotch drinker but I have always remembered Franz from the good old days of Campus School days and his dad Howard — God Bless You Franz enjoy the life beyond—?
Sally and family. Dean and I will always remember what a fun and kind person Franz was. We loved having you as neighbors and our boys hanging out together. We keep his memory in our hearts Our love and prayers to you all.
Sally my deepest sympathy to you & your family. Your loss is deep, no words can take away the pain & loss your heart is feeling at this time. What a beautiful obituary that depicts a wonderful man. He gave so much to his family & others. The love of family & friends will help to comfort & support you in the days ahead. My thoughts & prayers are with you, Roxi Nehring
Sally, Gretchen, Eric and family,
Susie and I are so saddened by your loss. Franz was such an intelligent, fun man. Watching our kids on race day at Mt LSE with Franz was always fun. Franz and I use to bring beers from our travels, and smuggle them into the St Bernard Room. After I was finished with my patrol shift, we’d buy a pitcher (as a decoy) that lasted for hours as we’d have our beer tasting event! Franz was the most interesting man to have a conversation with. We’ve lost a true friend. Please accept our condolences.
Sally and family we are so sorry for your loss. Franz was one of a kind in a good, kind, fun way. He will be forever in our memories. Sending hugs to you all.
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Mary (Poehling) and David Prahler
I remember Franz as a student of mine at Aquinas and a member of the football team. He always had a smile on his face for everyone. God rest his soul-Mr. Reinders
Sally and family, so sorry. Sending hugs. Di
Sally, Gretchen and family,
We are so very sorry to hear about Franz. Our sincere sympathy to you. Hugs and prayers.
Sally and family,
I am saddened to learn of the passing of Franz. We were classmates at Campus and spent a good bit of time hiking and camping in the bluffs of La Crosse. Our family wishes you all our sincere sympathy at this time…
Ed and I are sending our deepest condolences to you and your family. You have our promise of prayers. May Franz rest in the arms of the angels!