Gordon J. "Speed" Fredricks, Janesville  (1923 - 2009)

February 15, 1923 - June 9, 2009
Gordon J. "Speed" Fredricks, 86, a longtime Janesville resident, passed away Tuesday morning, June 9, 2009, at Rock Haven. He was born on Feb. 15, 1923, in Milwaukee, WI, son of the late Gordon A. & Rebelle (Martin) Fredricks. He moved to Janesville while he was in grade school, and was a graduate of Janesville High School, Class of 1942. He was the recipient of the American Legion Medal as a senior. He had been very active in sports during his school years, excelling in football, track, and speed skating.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II in the South Pacific. After his discharge, he returned home and attended Milton College, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in 1949. While at Milton College, he was a member of the Chi Delta Rho Fraternity, and was on both the football and track teams.
On June 21, 1947, he married the former Patricia Mary Riley at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Janesville. Speed worked over 33 years at General Motors, working as an Inspector in the Repair and Quality Control Depts. until his retirement.
He was a member of the Elks Lodge, #254, the V.F.W. Kienow-Hilt Post #1621, the Disabled American Veterans, and the National Rifle Association (NRA). He was very active in his children's Parochial School Cecilian Band, the Green Beret Marching Band, the Craig High School Band, and Scouting activities. He also helped coach football at St. John Vianney School, and basketball at St. Patrick's School. From 1985 until 1991 he assisted his son-in-law in coaching his grandsons on the Little League Braves team. For many years he enjoyed duck hunting with his father out on Lake Koshkonong.
His favorite pastime was hunting for Indian artifacts with his father, children, and his friends, as well as reading and listening to "Big Band" music. Speed very much enjoyed meeting people and making friends, and was respected and admired by everyone he met. After his retirement, he developed many new friends with the Mall Walkers, and most recently treasured his time having coffee with "The Boys" at McDonald's and Lions Kwik Mart! He will truly be missed by many!
He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his two sons, Michael J. (Linda) Fredricks and Daniel P. (Shawn) Fredricks; his daughter, Nancy Jo (Michael) Buchanan; all of Janesville; his grandchildren: Eric (Kathy), Bryan, and Rebecca Jo Buchanan, Beth Ann, Sarah, and Tucker Fredricks; and his great-grandson, Kaden Buchanan. He is further survived by his sister, Bonnie L. Peck; his sister-in-law, Sharon A. Quaerna; and by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral services with a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2009, at ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 315 Cherry St., with Fr. Jim Kuhn officiating. Burial will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials in his name may be made to ECHO, 65 S. High St., or to St. Patrick's Catholic Church. The WHITCOMB-LYNCH-ALBRECHT FUNERAL HOME, JANESVILLE, is assisting his family with arrangements.
Speed's family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Harry Ramsey and Dr. Tom Berentsen for their care, and to the staff at Rock Haven for their tender loving care while Gordon was with them.