Memorial

Donald James Fredrickson, 89, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital following a brief illness. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A private family burial will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Survivors include sons, Jeff (Nicole) of East Bethel, Minnesota and Tom (Jenny) of Marion, Iowa; six grandchildren, Marly of Marion Iowa; Carter (Anna) of Solon, Iowa, Alec (Rhiana) of Charleston, South Carolina; Kristina (Armando) of Champlin, Minnesota, Ryan (Brandie) of Mankato, Minnesota, Megan (Dale) of Clarksville, Tennessee; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Paul (Donna); and sisters-in-law Betty Nordine, Pam Nordine, and Sandy Nordine; and beloved nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Millie; his parents; sister-in-law, Myrtis and his brothers-in-law, Gene, Burnett, Everett, and Leland.

Don was born on May 19, 1936, in Cherokee, Iowa, to Noble and Mildred Fredrickson. He honorably served as a sergeant in the United States Army from 1955 to 1958. Don was united in marriage to Millicent “Millie” Nordine on May 8, 1956. Don worked for 42 years at Rockwell Collins in failure analysis. He was an avid shortwave radio enthusiast, often tuning in to music from other countries. Even though he could not understand the language, he enjoyed the accomplishment of reaching as many distant places as possible. 

Don loved the game of golf and cherished many years playing with Millie and their “Grasshopper” group. After retiring, Don and Millie were fortunate to spend 15 winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and delighted in hosting their children and grandchildren for many spring breaks on the beach. A devoted sports fan, Don cheered for the Iowa Hawkeyes and was an even bigger fan of the Chicago Cubs. He was a man of faith and a proud member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital ICU and Hospice for the compassionate care and dignity they provided to Don and his family during his brief stay.

Don was a generous and compassionate supporter of numerous charitable organizations, with his favorites being the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer’s Association, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Don’s name to one of these organizations, or to a charity meaningful to you.