Clarence J. 'Sonny' Fredrickson

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Clarence J. "Sonny" Fredrickson, 89, of Ironwood Township, passed away Saturday, July 10, 2021.

He was born on Oct. 14, 1931, to parents Einar Clarence Fredrickson and Helmi Emily (Hautanen) Fredrickson, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death was his brother, Robert.

Sonny graduated from Luther L. Wright High School with the class of 1949. In January of that year, he joined the Michigan National Guard retiring in 1986, with 31 years of service. His love of skiing led him to become a member of the National Ski Patrol. Roller skating at the Colonial skating rink led him to meet his wife, Valerie.

Sonny began his career as a mechanic working for his father at F & A Garage and completed this career working for the Gogebic County Road Commission. He continued to offer advice on fixing anything mechanical to his children, relatives and friends long after retirement.

Survivors include Valerie, his wife of 63 years; and children Peter (Julie) Fredrickson, Hazelhurst, Wisconsin, Paula (Stephan) Furlich, Minnetonka, Minnesota, and David (Linda) Fredrickson, Calumet. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Eric (Bonnie) Furlich, Emily (Chris) Herbst, Greg (Kiley Spirito) Furlich, Zack Fredrickson, Elizabeth Fredrickson, Jon Furlich, Travis Fredrickson, Maxx Fredrickson and Katie Fredrickson; and his great-grandchildren, Ginny Furlich, Freddy Furlich and Lily Herbst.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 17, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 111 S. Curry St., in Ironwood, with the Rev. Doug Norquist officiating.

Following the service, full military honors will be accorded by the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco at Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield.