Marlese J. Fredericks — UPDATED
Marlese J. Fredericks, went to be with her Lord on April 30, 2016.
Born Marlese Jewel Lenz on July 24, 1922 to Bessie Della May Lenz and Thomas Phillip Lenz of Otranto, Iowa. She was the oldest of five children, Thomas Dwayne, Roger, Bonnie and Dick.
After graduation from college she taught school for grades K-12 in a one room school in Otranto. She moved to California in the early 1940’s and worked for Northrop Aircraft Factory as inspector during World War II. She worked on the Northrop Black Widow P-61 Night Fighter and the XB-35 Flying Wing aircraft. After the war was over she returned to Iowa where she met and married her husband, Donald A. Fredericks. They were married on June 27, 1948. They were married for 61 years; he preceded her in passing on December 18, 2009.
They had three children: Susan K. Johnson (Rev. Lester) Plymouth; Steven D. Fredericks Santa Fe, N.M.; Carol J. Schneider (Stephen W.) Tongonoxie, Kan.; five grandchildren: Matthew J. Johnson, Melissa N. Klinger, Andrew W. Schneider, Brandi J. Fredericks and Zac S. Fredericks; four great grandchildren, Landon and Madison Klinger, Evelyn Schneider and Harper Johnson.
Marlese was a member of the 1st United Methodist Church of Rantoul, Ill. She was a member of their Women’s Association and the ladies Quilting Circle. Her interests included gardening, working in her yard, she loved for flowers. She also enjoyed sewing, especially quilting. Family gatherings were special to her and she always prepared wonderful meals for those she loved.
The Van Gilder Funeral Home is caring for the Fredericks family. Services will be held on honor of Marlese on Monday, May 30, at 1:30 p.m. in the 1st United Methodist Church in Osage, Iowa with the Rev. Les Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Ansgar Cemetery.
Memorials are to be made to the 1st United Methodist Church, 200 South Century Blvd. Rantoul, IL 61866