Thomas Morton Fredricksen

Thomas Fredricksen LAUREL — Thomas Morton Fredricksen, 82, Laurel, died May 10, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.

A memorial visitation will be held May 17, from 10-11 a.m., at the United Presbyterian Church, Laurel. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11 a.m., at the United Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Charity Potter officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home, Wakefield.

Tom was born Aug. 2, 1940, in Omaha, to Morton and Florence Fredricksen. After high school, Tom fulfilled a lifelong dream and started farming. In December 1961, he joined the Army Reserves and was stationed in St. Louis, Mo. Two years later, he met and married Shirley Mattes, March 23, 1963. This March they celebrated 60 years of marriage. The couple had four children, Julie, Shelly, Andy and Jon.

Tom was an active member in the Masonic Lodge, VFW, and a former school board member. He was also a faithful and active member of the United Presbyterian Church. He taught the High School Sunday School for years, was an elder and a member of the church’s session holding office as the President.

His passion included farming, livestock, spending time with his family and enjoying his four children, six grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. He was also a devoted Husker fan, never missing a football or volleyball game. He held fast to the hope that Nebraska Football would one day be #1 again.

Tom is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughters, Julie Hart, Laurel, and Shelly (Brad) Rath, Laurel; son, Jon (Jean) Fredricksen, Laurel; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and sister, Marcia (Jim) Lipp.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Morton and Florence; son, Andrew Fredricksen; son-in-law, Dennis Hart; and great-grandson, Wyatt Hart.

Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.