John R. Fredricks

John R. Fredricks, 90, of Manteno, passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2023, surrounded by his family at Riverside Medical Center, 5th Floor Medical Unit, who provided exceptional care for him and his family. He was born on June 6, 1933, in Elk Prairie Township, IL, to Bernhard L. and Mary Lucille (Melton) Fredricks. On October 16, 1954, he married Joan Mary Rombough in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. He served in the United States Navy from 1950 to 1954 on the USS Robert K. Huntington DD781 GM 2nd Class. John was a self-employed contractor. He built farm buildings, grain bins, and houses. His last and most treasured project was a wooden barn for longhorn cattle. John enjoyed camping and belonged to the Skamper Camping Club. He was also a member of the St. George Post 1164 American Legion. John was a jokester and always loved to have a good time. He is survived by his four daughters, Cathy (Denny) Marek of Saugatuck, Michigan, Linda (Joe) Granneman of Cherry Valley, Illinois, Tricia Ford of Raeford, North Carolina, and Debbie (John) Tamblyn of Manteno; his sister, Idella (Cookie) Lipscomb; nine grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren, with another arriving in February 2024; as well as seven nephews and nieces. John is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Joan; his brother-in-law, Ralph Lipscomb; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Neil and Deloris Rombough. A private funeral was held. Pallbearers were Brian Marcotte, Jason Marcotte, Nick Gregerson, Tyler Bruesewitz, Steve Fief, and Mike Fief. Memorials may be made to St Jude Children’s Hospital. In John’s words, “It’s been great!”