Harold Walter Fredrickson passed away December 28, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was at home in Chetek, surrounded by members of his loving family.

Harold was born Olav Muru on October 9, 1943, in Viljandi, Estonia, to Edgar and Oie Muru. In August of 1944, the Muru family fled Estonia for Germany where they lived in numerous displaced persons camps during and after World War II.

In November of 1951, Harold was adopted, along with his brother Raymond, by Harold and Gertrude Fredrickson of East Detroit, Michigan.

A graduate of East Detroit High School in 1964, Harold went on to serve his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. In April of 1965, as part of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, Harold was among the first US ground combat troops to be deployed to Da Nang in South Vietnam. Serving as a forward observer, Harold carried out reconnaissance missions with his team. Harold documented his experience through the lens of his camera.

His passion for photography allowed him to capture the personal side of the war. These images, shared with family and students in the Chetek School District, provided a powerful window into his experiences, offering invaluable historical and personal insights.

After returning from Vietnam, Harold attended Ferris State College in Big Rapids, Michigan where he met his future wife, Gail. Together they built a loving family.

Harold had a love of cars and carpentry that he enjoyed sharing with his children and grandchildren.  In the summer you would see him at local car shows, building a shed, or building a birdhouse with the grandkids. It didn’t really matter what, as long he was spending time with family.

Harold is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gail; their children, Elizabeth (Ted) Miller, Gregory Scott Fredrickson, Charles (Katherine) Fredrickson; their grandchildren Andrew Lester, Emma Lester, Adelyn Fredrickson and Charles Joshua Fredrickson. Harold is also survived by his brother Raymond Fredrickson.

Harold was preceded in death by his birth parents and his adoptive parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 9 at 11:00 AM at Faith Baptist Church, Chetek. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Friends and loved ones are invited to join the family in celebrating Harold’s life. Following the celebration, Harold will be interred at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery near Spooner.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Pregnancy Help Center of Rice Lake or the Chetek Food Shelf.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Marshfield Home Health and Hospice for the amazing care and compassion shown to both Harold and Gail.

Harold’s resilience, courage, and devotion to family will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew him.

Last Update: Dec 31, 2024 1:07 pm CST