Robert Joseph Fredricks

Robert Joseph Fredricks, aged 82, of Grand Rapids, passed away at home on Christmas morning 2025. A man of deep faith, we live in hope that he is indeed “mighty fine” now. Born across the street from St. Mary's, he was a devoted lifelong parishioner who served in a variety of roles over the years: coach, athletic director, school board, usher, Eucharist minister, home-bound ministry, funeral buffet,food pantry and festival worker. He was particularly devoted to the rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Faith and family were his pillars.

He served in the Army Reserve for 4 years and fondly remembered his time being sent to San Francisco to learn how to type when he already had studied it at Catholic Central. His high school days were filled with great memories including as a running back on the football team, playing basketball, paying a classmate a quarter to do his artwork and being crowned Sno Shuffle King. After high school, Bob worked at Knape and Vogt in the shipping department until retirement. It was there that Bob and Sharon met.

After accepting Sharon’s invitation to be her date for her friend’s wedding, the romance took off and they were married a year later in 1968. A couple months shy of their 50 year anniversary, Bob was deeply grieved when Sharon passed away but remained thankful for the many years of good memories. Together, they enjoyed the pleasures and challenges of everyday life, including passing on their faith, values and work ethic to their four children, Joe, Katie, Chris and Julie.

Bob’s sense of humor sometimes caught others off guard with quips such as “I am a sex symbol”, “nobody is perfect but I’m the next best thing” and“I love me too”. He enjoyed playing cards – poker, euchre, setback, cribbage, and the annual Christmas game of screw your neighbor.

Despite his 5’3” stature, Bob loved basketball! He enjoyed watching all levels and started coaching grade school ball at St Mary's while in high school. He continued throughout his life, mentoring kids for many years, including 17 years as coach of West Catholic JV girls.

Bob loved his family and friends, enjoying many adventures together, including when he regularly got everyone lost! After deciding pulling a trailer wasn’t in his skill set, the family camper parked at Fish Lake for over 15 years of summertime fun, spent camping and fishing. Later in life, he again enjoyed the pleasures of camping around Michigan state parks with his adult children and grandchildren.

He was very close with his mother, brothers and his life-long best friend Tom. Though not a “handyman”, (his mother Margaret early in their marriage advised mom that it was cheaper and faster to just hire it done) Bob was always willing to lend a hand and help. He was the willing taxi driver to his children's events, trips to the movies, mall or friends houses. Being a grandfather of 9 was a great joy for him and he eagerly took on babysitting duties, including the diaper changes in the early years, though he much preferred to throw them the ball, take them for ice cream, teach them to fish or play poker.

Remarking “I did all right for just having a high school degree”, Bob lived a simple, frugal life based on his faith and family. He was proud to have put his children through Catholic education, providing for his family and traveling across the world, often at Sharon’s behest. Venturing out with family and friends as his guides, some fond destinations included Japan, Italy, Hawaii, Montreal, Colorado and Disney with his brother, Bill. He enjoyed eating out, going to ball games, plays, concerts and of course in his later years, endless hours of TV.

Bob left a legacy of faith, laughter and the importance of keeping proper priorities in life. We are thankful for his example and he will be missed.

Born September 6, 1943, he was preceded in death by his parents, William and Margaret, Sharon, his wife of 50 years, his infant daughter Marianne and his brothers William and Gerald. He is survived by his children, Joseph (Tracey) Fredricks, Katie (Mark) Spitzley, Christine Fredricks, Julie (Joe) Gaus; his grandchildren, Tyler, Jordynn, Nathaniel, Luke, Jacob, Micah, Raven, Drake and Marianna; brother and sisters-in-law, Dan (Ruth) Fredricks and Carol Fredricks; many nieces, nephews and friends. Bob will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 30 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 423 First St. NW. Burial in Rosedale Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Monday from 4:00- 7:00 pm at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, with the Rosary prayed at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic church where he was a lifelong devoted member.