John James Frederick Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

John James Frederick died peacefully in the arms of his daughter with his dog, Annie, nestled by his side. He returned to his Lord and reunited with his beloved wife, Patti Ann. John was born to Ann (Rash) and Phillip Edmond Frederick on July 9, 1925 in Joliet, Illinois. John’s family moved frequently and because of that he learned to make friends easily. He attended 5 different grade schools and 3 high schools. John graduated from Decatur High School in 1943. John was a patriot and felt compelled to serve his country during WWII. John enlisted with the United States Coast Guard. He reported for duty just three weeks after graduating. John became a Fire Control-man 2nd class. He served in both the Pacific and Atlantic campaigns aboard the Patrol Frigates USS Rockford and USS Dearborn from 1943 to 1946. While onboard those ships, John served as Photogra-pher. He has left behind a treasure trove of photos, documents and uniforms. John was proud of his ser-vice and loved to share his Coast Guard stories. Later on in life, John became an active member of the Combat Veteran’s Association and the Patrol Frigate Association. After discharge, John pursued college. His first year was spent at the University of Illinois, Navy Pier campus. This campus was created to educate WWII veterans. He spent the remainder of his education at the University of Virginia Charlottesville. During his time there, he pledged to the Phi Gam Delta, Omi-cron Chapter. During his senior year, John served as President of the chapter. In 1950, he graduated with a Bachelors of Economics. In November of 1951, John met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Smith, on a blind date. They went to the theater where he offered to read the program to a blind couple who sat next to him. Little did he know that his act of kindness would capture the heart of Patti Ann. Three weeks later, they were engaged. Three months later, they were married in her parent’s Northport home on February 17, 1952. For 62 years, their love story continued, enjoying life side by side, each other’s best friend. In 1953, John joined his father’s company, Phil E Frederick Construction. Together, they built bridges, roads and repaired dams. In 1956, he returned to his passion, sales. He worked for Blauw Knox selling Redi Mix units. Followed by, Fullerton Metals where he sold steel, copper, stainless for 22 years. He was awarded Salesman of the year for 1974, 1976 and 1978. In 1979, John with his partner, Bob Carroll and Inside Sales Manager, Karen Lund, opened Caril Metals in Arlington Heights. Together, they established a successful metal brokerage serving the midwest. John was active in his DeKalb Illinois community. He was the Moderator of the Board of Deacons at First Congregational Church. He was also a Boy Scout leader for 5 years, followed by, 3 years as Explor-er Scout leader. In 1969, John received the Boy Scout’s Burton Award for his service. John served on the DeKalb School Board for 7 years. He was elected President of the board by his fellow board members. In 1980, he received the Award of Merit in recognition of his “unselfish service to the DeKalb Community Unit School District #428” by the Illinois Association of School Boards. In 1981, he became a private pilot with instrument rating. He enjoyed the training so much that he even took acrobatic lessons. John and Patti Ann loved to travel and flew his Cessna 182 to many destinations across the country. In 1992, John sold his half of Caril Metals to his partner and retired to their home on Old Mission Penin-sula. John and Patti Ann enjoyed traveling, “eating out”, hiking the parks, attending musical events and boating in West Bay. John’s greatest joy was spending time with his wife, daughter and their dogs. He was grateful for his exceptional medical care that allowed him to live 93 beautiful years. Thank you to Nancy Harris NP & the Munson’s Heart Failure Clinic Nursing Staff; Dr. Peter Alvarado; Dr. Raymond Dean; Dr. Douglas Brown; Dr. Christopher Jeffries; Orchard Creek Health Care and his special “angel”, Melissa Schaub, AGNP, PCP. John lived his life with integrity and respect of others. John was a friend to all. He has left this world a better place by his generosity and kindness. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his daughter, Cathie Frederick of Traverse City; his nieces Bonnie Rebone of Buckley; Judy Johnson of Tustin; his cousins Judy Cook of Chicago, IL; Jim and Sue Wilder of Sandia Park, NM; his “Old Mission Family” Bruce and Jackie Thomas; Terry and Becky Wells; Jerry Ostlund; Terry Collins; and his dog, Annie. John is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann (Smith) Frederick; and his parents Ann (Rash) and Phil E. Frederick. A graveside service will be held at Leelanau Township Cemetery in Northport on May 17, 2019 at 11am with a celebration of life luncheon to follow. Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of the Untied States Coast Guard, Cherryland V.F.W. post 2780 and American Legion post 35. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Salvation Army, the Cherryland Humane Society or Hospice of Michigan. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories of John with his family. The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

John James Frederick

July 9, 1925 - December 16, 2018

Obituary & Service

Photos & Videos

Family Tree