Northcrest Community

Charles "Chuck" Frederiksen

Charles "Chuck" Frederiksen

Charles "Chuck" Frederiksen, age 90, of Ames, Iowa, passed away at Israel Family Hospice with his family by his side, in Ames, Iowa. A celebration of Chuck's life will be at a later date in 2021.

Charles Faaborg Frederiksen was born in the Danish community of Elk Horn, Iowa on November 3, 1930, the son of Frederik Verner and Edna Leonora Faaborg Frederiksen. His family moved to Exira, Iowa when he was three, where he attended and graduated from high school as valedictorian of his class. Chuck graduated from Iowa State University with a BS in Zoology and a master's degree in Entomology, and then served two years in the United States Air Force, stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippine Islands. He met Joanne Dolores Bireline of Adair, Iowa, and the couple was married on June 27, 1954 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adair. Upon returning from active military duty, Chuck accepted employment at the ISU Department of Residence. For nearly 50 years, Chuck had a distinguished career in the college and university housing profession. He became the Director of Residence in 1967 and retired in 1996. During his tenure at Iowa State, Chuck oversaw the construction, staffing and occupancy of many student housing and dining service facilities, including five residence halls and single and married family apartment complexes. Chuck received two significant recognitions during and following his retirement from ISU. The first was the establishment of the Frederiksen Leadership Award for student leaders living in university housing. The second recognition was the naming of a new housing complex, Frederiksen Court, in April 2002. Frederiksen Court currently houses more than 3500 single undergraduate students in 29 buildings. Chuck was an active member of Bethesda Lutheran Church, as well as in the Ames community, serving in a leadership capacity at the church, Ames Kiwanis Club, Ames Noon Rotary Club, Ames-Gilbert United Way, City of Ames Community Development Board, Ames Cyclone Club and the Ames Convention Bureau Task Force. As a tribute to his Danish heritage, Chuck was a charter member of the Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn, Iowa, serving as a member since its inception, and actively participating on the Board of Directors, including election to President of the Board. After returning from active duty in the US Air Force, Chuck served in the Air Force Reserves, retiring as a Major in 1990. After retiring from ISU, Chuck enjoyed coffee with his friends, volunteering in the community, loving his wife of more than 66 years, and doting on his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Joanne; sons John (Linda), Mark (Barbara), James (Mimi); daughter-in-law Melanie (Craig) Frederiksen Bear; grandchildren Travis (Chelsie), Tyler (Megan), David, Robert (Rianna), Jordan, Meghanne, Tyler, Nick, Kyle, Jacob and Rachel Frederiksen, and Amy (Hunter) Frederiksen Koeshall; great-grandchildren Owen, Avery and Brody Frederiksen; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patricia Lotz; and son, Pastor Paul Frederiksen.

Memorials may be directed to: Bethesda Lutheran Church, the Iowa State University Foundation for the Charles F. Frederiksen Leadership Award, or The Museum of Danish America (in Elk Horn). Memorial contributions in honor of Chuck may also be directed to the Northcrest Foundation, 1801 20th Street, Ames, Iowa 50010.

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