Loretta R Frederick

Loretta Rose Frederick, age 94, of North Mankato, died Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at Oak Terrace Assisted Living in North Mankato.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, January 9, 2010 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, North Mankato with Rev. Peter Nosbush, officiating. Private family burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Mankato. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at church. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Holy Rosary Catholic Church or VINE. Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Loretta was born October 26, 1915 to Conrad and Magdalena (Drummer) Haefner in Eagle Lake. Loretta was united in marriage to Paul J. Frederick, her husband of 68 years on July 17, 1934 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Mankato and lived most of her life in North Mankato. She was known affectionately as "Bobbie" by her relatives and close friends, a nickname she received as a young girl. That nickname stayed with her throughout her life.

A loving and devoted wife and mother with an infectious smile, Loretta dedicated her life to raising a large family and managing a busy and boisterous household. She took pride in being a superb cook and pastry maker and her lemon meringue pies, coffee cakes, and cinnamon rolls were legendary. And no matter what the circumstance, surprise drop-in guests were always welcome at her dining room table. In her later years, she enjoyed winter vacations in Arizona and California with her husband. Loretta was also an active community volunteer for many years and the organizations in which she served reflected her passion and concern for the welfare of others. Loretta served on the Advisory Committee of the Tri-County Human Services Board and on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross Blue Earth County Chapter. For many years she served as a Gray Lady at Immanuel St. Joseph's Hospital and was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary. While serving on the Holy Rosary Parish Council in the 1970's, she initiated the Holy Rosary Sewing Circle, an organization which is still active today. She was also a member of the Mankato Golf Club.

Loretta is survived by four sons, Gene Frederick of Alexandria, John (Sandi) Frederick of Suwanee, GA, Michael (Sharon) Frederick of Boquete, Panama, Timothy Frederick of Blaine; two daughters, Joan (Sherl) Freudenberger of Rancho Bernardo, CA, Connie (Jim) Anderson of North Mankato; sister, Lucille (Ken) Becker of San Andreas, CA; twenty grandchildren; twenty nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; nieces and nephews.

Loretta was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul; infant daughter, Catherine Ann; three brothers; four sisters.