Ronald Joseph Fredricks

Ron was born August 17, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, to Alphonse Joseph and Jane Francis (Dukarski) Fedorowicz, of Polish and Lithuanian heritage. As a young boy, Ron endured a life-altering illness, contracting Pott’s disease, which left him bedridden in a body cast for nearly two years. Doctors feared he might never walk again. In hope and faith, his parents sought the prayers of Capuchin friar Blessed Fr. Solanus Casey, who assured them that Ron would be healed. Through what the family has always regarded as a grace-filled intercession, Ron recovered fully – going on to run, play, and live a full and active life. This experience left a profound and lasting impact on his faith and the life he would lead.

Following his recovery, Ron moved with his family to Saginaw, Michigan, where he was joined by his beloved younger brother, Richard Fedorowicz, his loyal companion and lifelong friend. Ron was active in the Boy Scouts and developed an early passion for amateur radio, earning his license and call sign, K8DMR, as a young teenager – a pursuit that remained a lifelong joy.

Ron graduated from Saginaw St. Mary’s High School in 1959, where he excelled academically and also enjoyed participating in athletics, including baseball, football, and basketball. He shared his musical talents as well, performing Everly Brothers songs in the school talent show.

He went on to attend Michigan State University, graduating magna cum laude with a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1964, and later earned his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1970. A brilliant engineer with a deep love of learning and teaching, Ron served as a professor at Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, and Calvin University, inspiring countless students over the years.

Ron built an accomplished career in aerospace and electrical engineering, working with organizations including Lear Siegler, Magnavox, Smiths Aerospace, Boeing, and General Electric. His work in the instrument division at Lear Siegler contributed to the development of the “Loran-C” navigation system, which played a pivotal role in its adoption by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Aviation Administration for civil aviation. He also published research on the “Optimization of Functional Differential Systems” and “Airborne Omega” performance testing. In recognition of his contributions, Ron received numerous professional honors, including awards from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), in which he was nationally involved. In addition, Ron was named the 1982 “Outstanding Engineer of the Year” by the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers.

Ron remained deeply involved in the amateur radio community throughout his life and was an active member of the Grand Rapids Amateur Radio Club. In 2024, he was honored as “West Michigan Ham of the Year,” a fitting recognition of his lifelong passion and contributions to the field.

In the 1970s, Ron discovered a love for downhill skiing, which ultimately led him to meet the love of his life, Mary Iris Fredricks (Breimayer). The two met through the Lincoln Ski Club (later the Greater Grand Rapids Ski Club), where they spent years skiing together. They were married on May 7, 1977, beginning a loving marriage that spanned more than 48 years.

Ron was a devoted husband and a loving father to Kristina Marie Rexford and Daniel Joseph Fredricks. In 1984, Ron transitioned to independent consulting, working with Midwest and bicoastal corporations. This move gave him greater flexibility to spend time with his family – a choice he made intentionally. Though highly successful in his field, he always placed his responsibilities as a husband and father above all else.

The Fredricks family shared a deep love of skiing, spending countless days on the slopes – from the molehills of Michigan, including backyard runs of “Mt. Fredricks,” to the mountains of the western United States and Canada. Ron also played a key role in helping establish the West Catholic High School ski team in the mid-1990s, fostering a love of the sport in future generations.

A man of deep and abiding faith, Ron enthusiastically participated in the life of the Church. He served as a lector and member of the choir at Holy Spirit Parish in Grand Rapids, and more recently at Holy Redeemer Parish in Jenison. His faith, rooted in both early suffering and lifelong devotion, was evident in the quiet and steady way he lived and loved.

He was his children’s greatest supporter, always present, always encouraging, and always leading with love.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Mary (Breimayer) Fredricks; children Kristina Marie Rexford and Daniel Joseph Fredricks; grandchildren Allyson and Eric Larson, Adam and Jenny Kolb, and Anna Kolb; and great-grandchildren Natalie, Nora, and Oaken Larson. He is also survived by his brother, Richard (Brenda) Fedorowicz; sisters-in-law Barbara Klein, Brenda Fedorowicz, and Peggy Breimayer; and many cherished nieces and nephews. He will also be deeply missed by countless extended family members and dear friends – most especially his “little brother,” Rick Clemence.

Ron’s life was marked by faith, perseverance, intellect, and love. From a childhood marked by suffering and miraculous recovery to a life of achievement, devotion, and quiet sacrifice, he leaves behind a legacy that will endure in all who knew him. His love will live on forever in the hearts of those he touched.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, April 24, 2026 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish Church, 2700 Baldwin St., Jenison, MI 49428, with prayers of the Rosary beginning at 6:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish Church, with visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. In memory of Ron, donations may be made to Amazon Relief, Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish, or West Catholic High School – Ski Team Boosters. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in Ron’s online guestbook.