Mary Lou Fredrickson

She was born on December 21, 1948, in Berwyn, Illinois, to Vance and Barbara Rogers. As a young girl, Mary Lou’s natural curiosity, love of learning, and compassion for others began to emerge; qualities that would guide her throughout her life. Her family later settled in Lincoln, where she graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School.

Mary Lou pursued her education with passion. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Nebraska Wesleyan University, followed by a Master of Arts in Secondary Education and a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology and Measurements from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she also received an endorsement in Secondary School Counseling. Her studies took her abroad to Austria, Germany, and Mexico, experiences that deepened her appreciation for culture, history, and people.

On June 19, 1992, she married Karl Fredrickson, her best friend and partner in life. Together they built a marriage centered on faith, love, and laughter. Mary Lou cherished her family above all else, and she especially delighted in being a mother and grandmother. She rarely missed a school performance, sporting event, or milestone, and was always her children's and grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader. Mary Lou was especially proud of her two daughters Melanie and Stephanie, and the families they built. Melanie and her husband Jeff built a beautiful life in West Des Moines, IA where Mary Lou loved visiting and watching her grandchildren, Logan and Gabrielle grow into talented young people. Stephanie and her husband Michael made their home in Lincoln, where Mary Lou found joy in being close to her grandchildren, Kaiden and Alexis. She was their biggest supporter; whether on the sidelines, in the audience or simply at home sharing laughter and love. Family holidays, and simple evenings together filled her heart with joy.

Mary Lou’s professional life reflected her deep care for children. She began as a consultant for the Nebraska Department of Education, influencing programs that reached across the state. She furthered her career as a teacher and vocational special needs counselor at Goodrich Middle School before serving many years as a guidance counselor at Irving Middle School. At Irving, she created innovative programs such as the Bully Prevention Program, Peer Mediation Program, Mac Dads Kids Club, and Just Say No Clubs, all of which empowered students and built a culture of kindness. Her students and colleagues remember her for her empathy, steady guidance, and the way she encouraged every child to see their potential.

Mary Lou also gave generously of her time and talents to her community. She was a Stephen Minister at Westminster Presbyterian, served as President of Chapter BY of P.E.O., and was active with the Junior League of Lincoln. She was a Teammates Mentor with Lincoln Public Schools, a Friends of Lied Executive Board Member, and contributed her leadership as part of the Nebraska Wesleyan University President’s Board of Advisors and the Women’s Wesleyan Educational Council, where she also served as Devotions Officer. For her extraordinary contributions, she was honored with a Certificate of Honor for Outstanding Community Volunteer Service in Lincoln.

In addition to her career and service, Mary Lou was known for her warm personality and joyful spirit. She loved walking along the beach, traveling with Karl, listening to music, and gathering with family and friends. She made everyone feel welcome, valued, and cared for.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband, Karl Fredrickson; daughters Melanie (Jeff) Mueller of West Des Moines, IA, and Stephanie (Michael) Bradley of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren Gabrielle Mueller, Logan Mueller, Alexis Bradley, and Kaiden Bradley; sister Nancy Eden Steele of Chula Vista, CA; mother-in-law Jane Fredrickson; sister-in-law Linnea Fredrickson; niece Barbara (Malo) Lutu and son Makoa; and nephew Justin Steele.

A visitation will be held on September 30, 2025, from 5–7 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will follow on October 1, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to the Mary Lou (Rogers) and Karl A. Fredrickson General Scholarship Fund, Nebraska Wesleyan University, 50th and Paul Streets, Lincoln, NE 68504 and the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools (foundationforlps.org), where Mary Lou’s heart and life’s work will continue to inspire future generations.