Birth date: Nov 3, 1930 Death date: Feb 3, 2021
Charles "Chuck" Frederiksen, age 90, of Ames, Iowa, passed away at Israel Family Hospice on February 3, 2021 with his family by his side, in Ames, Iowa. A celebration of Chuck's life will be Saturday, June 12, 2021 from 2- 4:00 p. Read Obituary
My friend, despite me being a complete stranger, I watched your life achievements and the great and stable family you built. You look like a very kind soul, and I do wish that I had the chance to meet you if you were still among us. Rest in peace my friend, fly high.
Best regards, a stranger from the internet
My condolences to the family of this amazing man. I first met Mr. Frederiksen, always Mr. Frederiksen, in 1973, when I was a freshman living in Northgate. As a friend of one of his sons, we were always welcomed into the family home, and during the course of my college life, Mr. and Mrs. Frederiksen were always warm and welcoming. It was a great comfort to know that as I was negotiating my way through ISU, as a dorm resident and as an RA, that Mr. Frederiksen was always available, and really didn’t mind those spur of the moment visits to his office. I’m know he is missed.
My deepest condolence to the family and colleagues of Chuck. When I started working for the Housing program at UW-Madison, Chuck was the President of ACUHO-I. Over the next few years, I would have the pleasure of being with Chuck in a variety of situations. He was also a man of class, kind and concerned about the well being of others. He was a leader in social justice years before others. A true leader, he was always encouraging new professionals and students. He leaves a legacy that will endure for decades.
My deepest sympathy to Chuck's family. He was on the Ames ISU YMCA Board of Directors when I was hired to work with runaway and homeless youth in campustown. That led to the founding of YSS. Chuck was always very supportive and encouraging of my work with troubled youth. In recent years, I would try to sit next to him at Rotary and had a great time talking to him about YSS in the early years. He will be missed.
To Joanne and family, we send our condolence on the loss of Chuck. He was held in high regard from the time I played baseball against him in high school, then watched his baseball career and later his career in the ISU housing department. He was a natural for leading the large residence system and dealing constructively with students. We thoroughly enjoyed our several evenings playing bridge with him and Joanne. Chuck left a positive impression on all. You can be proud to be significant parts of his life. Duane and Shirley Acker
I am so thankful to have crossed Chuck’s path. He was respected in the residence life community around the world and he will be remembered for his leadership, mentoring and most especially his kindness. Joanie Schmidt, CMU, Emeritus
Chuck was a heroic mentor during my collegiate days. Serving as an HR and Supervisor of Head Residents brought me close to his invaluable guidance. I seriously considered pursing a career similar to his because of what he brought to so many. I did go to seminary to become an ordained minister and after 41 years of active service still acknowledge those years in the residence halls as among the finest preparations for compassionate leadership through Chuck's guidance and modeling.
Gary Putnam, ISU 1961
Our family became acquainted with Chuck from our mom's years of working at Richardson Court. She loved the interaction with students and staff, remaining friends with many even after retirement. Please accept condolences from the family of Virginia Weeks. Susan Skei, Barbara Mallon and Craig Weeks.
From 1979-1984, I had the privilege of working in the ISU Dept.of Residence. Worked for Gary Schwartz in the UDA and was just a few doors down from Chuck. To say that Chuck and Gary helped shape my understanding of leadership would be understatement. Of all my employment experience to date, my best has been with Chuck and the Dept. of Residence. We were indeed a family and Chuck and Joanne welcomed all of us. Ralph Waldo Emerson, in his definition "What is Success" closes by saying "to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - this is to have succeeded". There can never be a question that Chuck succeeded, many times over.
Chuck and Joanne sat in the pew behind ours in the sanctuary at Bethesda Lutheran Church. They almost always were there ahead of us. As we walked past them to sit in the pew in front, both of them would give us big smiles and nod their heads in friendly greetings. It became a sort of warm and friendly ritual to start our worship on Sunday mornings. Thanks to both of you for this. Joanne, we are truly sorry for your loss of Chuck. He was such a good neighbor in the sanctuary.
