Eugene J. Fredericks

Oct.3, 1927 – June 5, 2012

SOUTH BEND — Eugene J. Fredericks, 84, of Bonita Springs, Florida, died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, June 5, 2012. Formerly of South Bend, Indiana, he had been a seasonal resident of Bonita Springs since 1994, and made it his permanent home in 2003. He was born October 3, 1927, in South Bend, the son of Emery J. and Julia Caroline (nee Lezer) Fredericks.

He served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1949.

He married Mary Ann Wille on October 15, 1949, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in South Bend. His career in the printing industry spanned 40 years (Shillings and Mossberg), and he retired from Mossberg in 1992 and had fully enjoyed 20 years of retirement. Gene loved the game of golf and spent a great deal of his free time on the course.

Everyone who knew Gene knew him as the greatest admirer of Notre Dame football. Never missing a home game and reading the “Blue and Gold” to ensure he was up-to-date on the latest news, he was an ardent fan. Whether Notre Dame was in first or last place made no difference; he was a true follower. He emulated the Fighting Irish in his life, and had a great spirit of strength and determination.

As a father, his memory will be forever treasured. Remembered for his words of encouragement, unwavering support and positive reinforcement, he made it known that he believed in us. He always made sure that we knew that “nothing was impossible” if we had the passion to succeed.

Gene was a member of the American Legion, Post 303, and the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge 1454, in Bonita Springs.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Mary Ann; his beloved daughters, Kimberly Ann (Michael) Kwasneski of Port St. Lucie, Florida, and Lisa (David) Fry of Charlotte, North Carolina; his three grandsons, Erik A. Svedin Jr., Andrew K. Svedin and Austen D. Fredericks.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Carolyn Hess, Mae Baird, Gertrude Napier and Emery Fredericks Jr., all of South Bend.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 29, 2012, in Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 30, 2012, in Little Flower Catholic Church.

Sources: Ancestry.com, Newspapers.com and FindAGrave.com

06/14/2025 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/120759724/eugene_jack-fredericks