1/7/2021 4:35:00 PM Memorial service for Irma Fredrickson Jan. 16 at Grace Free
Irma E. Fredrickson, a longtime Stewartville resident, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021 at her home, following a lengthy illness. Irma Elizabeth Bassler was born April 6, 1938 in Clarksville, Maryland. She was born at home on the farm to E. Edwin and Irma M. (Wright) Bassler, the fifth of eight children. Irma's childhood was spent in Maryland and she attended school in Howard County. She married T. Alan McCauley on Oct. 15, 1955 and bore four sons. They lived in Pensacola, Florida, Norfolk, Virginia, and Stewartville. Irma later married Ralph Fredrickson on Nov. 8, 1964 and she had another son and finally a daughter. Additionally she added four stepchildren. Irma was employed with the Olmsted County Health Department for five years as a Home Health Aide and with Stewartville Public Schools for 15 years in the Early Childhood Family Education Program. She also cared for children in her home for seven years, which resulted in many lasting friendships. Irma attended St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fulton, Maryland as a child and young teen, where she learned the 23rd Psalm, the Ten Commandments, and the Apostle's Creed. Her then boyfriend, Alan, told her she could know salvation in Jesus Christ as a teen and she was baptized as an adult at Faith Church in Rochester. Irma attributes Faith Church for her love and understanding of the Bible. She has attended Grace Evangelical Free Church in Stewartville much of her adult life, where she was active in the nursery, as a Sunday School teacher, in the Bible study classes and with its women's activities. She volunteered in the hobbies and crafts building at the Olmsted County Fair and at the Winona County Fair for 25 years, as well as exhibiting her own crafts and arts. She enjoyed visiting with neighbors and friends and loved time spent with her large extended family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Irma is survived by her son, David (Jonni Sue) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Brian (Martha) of Rochester; Scott of Rochester; Nathan (Tracy) of Newport; Joel (Sarah) of Arlington, Washington; and Kristin (Troy) Dee of Rochester; 17 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Ruth, Mildred and Mary; two sisters-in-law, Joan and Bunny; two brothers-in-law, Paul and John; many nieces and nephews, cousins and numerous other family members and friends in Maryland and Minnesota, especially Betty Griffen in Maryland and close friends, Carole, Connie, Betty, Julie and Nancy in Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, one sister, one infant brother, one infant granddaughter and one brother-in-law. The memorial service for Irma will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021 at Grace Evangelical Free Church in Stewartville with Rev. Andrew Langseth officiating. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Due to public health concerns, masks will be required and safe social distancing will be in effect. Memorials are suggested to Grace Church, Seasons Hospice or to the Irma Fredrickson Memorial Fund at the Stewartville Early Childhood Program. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Irma are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.
