September
15,
1946
15,
1946
April
23,
2024
23,
2024
Donald Lee Frederick, 77, of Sandwich, Illinois, passed away on April 23, 2024. Don was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He was born September 15, 1946, in Springfield, IL, the son of Herbert and Grace (Ginder) Frederick. He was united in marriage to Starr Ann Broughton on July 13, 1968, in Mt. Pulaski, IL.
Donald, known for his jack-of-all-trades nature, love for the outdoors, and busy lifestyle, he dedicated his life to serving others. Don was a Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy and served for the Air National Guard. He started working at GTE which led him to his lifelong career with AT&T where he began as a line man and ultimately retired as an electrical engineer. His career with AT&T brought his family to the Sandwich area in 1978. After moving to Sandwich, Don became very involved in the scouting community with his wife and children even serving as a Scout Master for Troop #45 for 10 years. Together they made many lasting friendships and memories with many local scouting families. He also served as a trustee for the Sandwich Fire Department, and volunteered for the Sandwich Auxiliary Police, the Emergency Services & Disaster Agency as well as the DeKalb County Auxiliary Police. After retiring from AT&T, Don went on to work for FEMA doing disaster assessments around the United States. He also owned his own locksmith company, Frederick Technology, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.
A man of faith, Don worshipped at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Sandwich. His hobbies included Ham Radio, camping with his wife and family, and together building their home just outside of Sandwich.
Donald is survived by his wife, Starr of Sandwich, IL; three children, Lauri (Jeffrey Knavel) Gerber of Austin, TX, Christopher (Karen) Frederick of Somonauk, IL, Matthew (Kellie Smith) Frederick of Oswego, IL; five grandchildren, Alex (Michelle) Gerber of Madison, WI, Morgan (Jeremy LaCaze) Gerber of Austin, TX, and Cody Gerber of Austin, TX, Liah (Cole) Jutila of Raymond, MA, Sydni (Jacob Contreras) Frederick of Richmond, KY; one great-grandson, Hudson, and another great grandson due in May; one sister, Donna Sue (Ted) Applegate of Springfield, IL; four sisters-in-law, Frances Frederick of Venice, FL, Dawn (Danny Hood) Broughton of Chatham, IL, Lisa (Norman) Helton of Chesterfield, MO, Robin (Keith) Green of West Union, SC, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Thomas Frederick; one sister, Beverly White; one brother-in-law, Frank White.
Visitation will be Monday, April 29, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk, IL. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at St. Paul Apostle Catholic Church with Father Bernard Sehr officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery on West Sandwich Road. Contributions in Don’s memory can be made to Open Door Rehabilitation or Fox Valley Community Services. The Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk, Illinois, is assisting with the funeral arrangements. For more information or to sign the online guest book, go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com
Turner-Eighner Funeral Home
13160 Rt. 34 W ~ PO Box 404
Somonauk, IL 60552
815-498-2363
Donald, known for his jack-of-all-trades nature, love for the outdoors, and busy lifestyle, he dedicated his life to serving others. Don was a Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy and served for the Air National Guard. He started working at GTE which led him to his lifelong career with AT&T where he began as a line man and ultimately retired as an electrical engineer. His career with AT&T brought his family to the Sandwich area in 1978. After moving to Sandwich, Don became very involved in the scouting community with his wife and children even serving as a Scout Master for Troop #45 for 10 years. Together they made many lasting friendships and memories with many local scouting families. He also served as a trustee for the Sandwich Fire Department, and volunteered for the Sandwich Auxiliary Police, the Emergency Services & Disaster Agency as well as the DeKalb County Auxiliary Police. After retiring from AT&T, Don went on to work for FEMA doing disaster assessments around the United States. He also owned his own locksmith company, Frederick Technology, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.
A man of faith, Don worshipped at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Sandwich. His hobbies included Ham Radio, camping with his wife and family, and together building their home just outside of Sandwich.
Donald is survived by his wife, Starr of Sandwich, IL; three children, Lauri (Jeffrey Knavel) Gerber of Austin, TX, Christopher (Karen) Frederick of Somonauk, IL, Matthew (Kellie Smith) Frederick of Oswego, IL; five grandchildren, Alex (Michelle) Gerber of Madison, WI, Morgan (Jeremy LaCaze) Gerber of Austin, TX, and Cody Gerber of Austin, TX, Liah (Cole) Jutila of Raymond, MA, Sydni (Jacob Contreras) Frederick of Richmond, KY; one great-grandson, Hudson, and another great grandson due in May; one sister, Donna Sue (Ted) Applegate of Springfield, IL; four sisters-in-law, Frances Frederick of Venice, FL, Dawn (Danny Hood) Broughton of Chatham, IL, Lisa (Norman) Helton of Chesterfield, MO, Robin (Keith) Green of West Union, SC, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Thomas Frederick; one sister, Beverly White; one brother-in-law, Frank White.
Visitation will be Monday, April 29, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk, IL. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at St. Paul Apostle Catholic Church with Father Bernard Sehr officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery on West Sandwich Road. Contributions in Don’s memory can be made to Open Door Rehabilitation or Fox Valley Community Services. The Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk, Illinois, is assisting with the funeral arrangements. For more information or to sign the online guest book, go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com
Turner-Eighner Funeral Home
13160 Rt. 34 W ~ PO Box 404
Somonauk, IL 60552
815-498-2363
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