James Fredin

Jim Fredin was born January 6, 1928 in Mountain Lake to Milton and Lena (Ibeling) Fredin. Norman, Kenneth (Joe), and Wendell were his younger brothers. He attended first grade at a one-room rural school at Section 26 of Selma Township. He graduated from Comfrey High School in 1945. He and Marian Anacker were married on October 20, 1949 in Darfur. Jim and Marian raised their three sons-Brian, Todd, and Tracy-- on their farm south of Comfrey, where they resided until they moved to Brickstone Manor in Comfrey in 2007. They have been residents at St. John's since February, 2010. Jim loved every aspect of farming and raising beef cattle for over 50 years. In his retirement, he raised sheep and calves, which his grandchildren greatly enjoyed. He and Marian were Master Gardeners who grew and sold vegetables, including his favorites- -sweet corn and pumpkins-- at farmers markets in Windom, Mt. Lake, Comfrey and St. James. His community activities included serving on the Comfrey School Board from 1961-1976, where he served as its chair for many years. He was also a member of the Darfur Farmers Elevator Board, Faith Lutheran Church Board, and the National Cattlemen's Association. Jim was honored for his 25 years of service to the Red Rock Rural Water System in 2006; he was a founding member of the Board, where he served as its chair for many years. Bringing plentiful and safe water to southwestern Minnesota was one of his proudest achievements. Jim delighted in visiting with other famers market growers and customers, cattle buyers, hired hands and seasonal workers at the farm, fellow board members, and friends and relatives. His favorites included Marian's great cooking and baking, the Weather Channel, reading the mail, grocery shopping, class reunions, making things last just a little bit longer, and puttering about. His creations included ice candles in the snow at Christmas and a two-story playhouse for his grandchildren. He pulled many people out of snowdrifts at the corner of County Road 1 and Highway 30. Jim will be remembered for his kindness, quiet sense of humor, and boundless energy. He has been a great husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and a friend to many. Jim's survivors include: Marian of St. John's Lutheran Home, and their children, Brian and Laurie Fredin of Mt. Lake, Todd and Nancy Fredin of Surrey, England, and Tracy Fredin and Debra Petersen of Minneapolis. Grandchildren and great-grand children are Mark, Jennie, Emily, and Ellenor Fredin of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Paul, Christen, Katen and William Fredin of Hampton, Virginia; Jeff Fredin, Comfrey; Michael Fredin, State College, PA, and Lesley Fredin, Washington, D.C.; and Taylor and Camille Fredin of Minneapolis. Brothers and sisters-in-law are Norm and Joyce Fredin of Albert Lea, Marian Fredin of Mt. Lake, and Wendell and Martha Fredin of Comfrey. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces, cousins, and other family members.