Larry L. Fredericksen, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and talented musician, passed away peacefully in his home in Ashton, Idaho on October 29, 2024, at the age of 91. Born on January 1, 1933, in a ranger station in Judkins, Idaho, to Henry Peder and Marguerite Ruby Fredericksen, Larry's life was a testament to faith, creativity, and love for family and music.

Larry was a man of faith, and practiced that faith in everything he did, from teaching his kids, enjoying the splendor of nature, to his music and his delight in the Lord through Jesus. He had a lengthy list of those he prayed for every night, and his faith was a light to his path his entire life.

He was well known for his wonderful sense of humor and his love of making people laugh and smile. He brought humor and fun into all of our lives with his funny quips, sayings and stories.

Larry's childhood was marked by unique experiences that shaped his resilient character. He attended grade school in Lamont, Idaho, where he skied to school behind sled dogs, helped clear and farm his parents' land near the woods, and took care of the animals in harsh conditions. His high school years at North Fremont High School saw him as a member of the boxing team, showcasing his athletic skills.

Following High School, Larry pursued higher education at Idaho State University's Vocational Technical College, studying Diesel Mechanics. His leadership skills shone through as he served as student body president during his time there.

Larry proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, stationed in the European Theater. It was during this time that his musical talents truly blossomed. He formed the band "Ramblin' Hillbillies" with his lifelong friend Gordon Aukerman, entertaining audiences across Europe and was featured on the radio there.

Upon returning home, Larry's musical journey continued. He joined a band they named "The In-Laws" with his father-in-law, Herb Bolland, Herb's brother, Bud Bolland, and sister Patsy Garz. Their performances at Phillips Lodge in Island Park, Idaho, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and West Yellowstone, Montana, delighted many. In his later years, Larry continued to share his gift, playing for area dances and birthday parties.

Also, upon his return from Europe, Larry and his brothers built a sawmill and sawed all the lumber to build his parents a new home. That house still stands on the farm in Lamont, Idaho.

On July 3, 1960, Larry married the love of his life, Katherine "Nadine" Bolland. Together, they raised four children: Debbie, Nancy, Greg, and Chris. Larry's family grew to include eight grandchildren, who became the joy of his life. "Papa Duke" loved attending their sporting events, recitals and performances, but just being with his family of all ages brought him joy.

A man of many talents, Larry was an avid inventor. He designed and built snow trail groomers used in Island Park, Idaho, created the winning entry in Ashton's water regatta, and crafted sleds, toys for his children, and tools for the logging industry. His innovative spirit knew no bounds.

Larry's strong faith was the cornerstone of his life. He knew and trusted in the Risen Savior, and guided his family and shared with everyone he knew about Salvation. He lived and followed the word of God, and referred to his Bible as the "Sword". He began and ended many conversations with "count it all joy" from the Bible verse James 1:2. He was a dedicated music leader at the Ashton Christian Fellowship, where he touched many hearts with his original composition, "The King's Kids." He also composed and performed an original song at both of his daughters' weddings, making those events even more memorable. He regaled us all with cowboy songs like "Strawberry Roan" and "Little Joe the Wrangler", as well as the beautiful old love songs.

Larry's life was a symphony of love, faith, humor and creativity. His self-taught musical skills on guitar and steel guitar, his inventive mind, and his devotion to family and community have left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His music will remain a lasting legacy, forever treasured by family, friends, and the community he served so faithfully.

Larry is survived by his brother, Randall Fredericksen; sister, Patsy (Dan) Garz; four children, Debbie (Don) McConnell, Nancy (Michael) Jameson,  Greg (Sarah) Fredericksen,  and Chris (Kimberly) Fredericksen; and eight grandchildren, Jayce (Tiffany), Karissa, Danon, Chelsie (Alex), Quinn, Christian, Logan and Madeline. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Marguerite Fredericksen, his wife, Nadine, brothers, Stanley, Don, Dick, and Harvey and a sister, Florence.

A celebration of Larry's life will be held at the Baxter Funeral Home on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. His family will be receiving friends and family on Sunday, November 3, 2024 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. and Monday morning from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services.

Larry's journey from skiing to school to touching hearts with his music and inventions, his enduring faith and his wonderful humor is a testament to a life well-lived. His melody may have ended, but the music he created in the hearts of those who loved him will play on forever.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life". John 3:16

Larry Fredericksen Funeral Program

Services will be streamed at: https://my.gather.app/remember/larry-fredericksen