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In Memory

Wayne Fredeen

Wayne Fredeen
Oct 8, 1937 - Mar 20, 2023

 

Longtime Eagle River, Alaska, resident Wayne Fredeen, 85, died on March 20, 2023, at Providence Alaska Medical Center surrounded by his three children after a 15-month battle with cancer.

Wayne was born to Agnes and Lawrence "Butchy" Fredeen in Seattle and raised in Preston, Wash., a small logging town with a two-room grade school, with his three siblings. Wayne spent much of his spare time helping out at his father's grocery store. He graduated from Issaquah High School in 1955, and Washington State University in 1960, where he played the saxophone in the marching band and graduated with a BS in civil engineering. In 1963, Wayne took a six-month, 34-country trip around the world with his brother Mel.

In 1965, Wayne married the love of his life, Audrey Jensen of Lacey, Wash. Wayne worked as a civil engineer for the Washington State Highway Department and then in insurance and estate planning. He and Audrey moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1975, during the construction of the trans-Alaska pipeline. They then relocated to Eagle River in 1977, and Wayne continued to work for Alyeska Pipeline for 20 years as a senior contracts engineer.

Wayne and Audrey enjoyed 55 years together, traveling both internationally and domestically. They visited 48 states in their beloved RV, loved to fish and spend time at their Kenai River cabin, and enjoyed activities with family and friends. Wayne's love and skill of photography began quite young. He won a national contest from Boys Life Magazine and his photos were used by many organizations and publications throughout his life. He also enjoyed Swedish holiday foods, playing the accordion and spoiling his six grandchildren. He will be remembered for his sociable personality and sense of humor. Wayne was an active member of Joy Lutheran Church in Eagle River for over 40 years, a member of the Jaycees in his early years and, as a Rotarian, he helped lead the Alaska Youth Exchange Program.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes and Lawrence "Butchy" Fredeen; brother, Mel Fredeen; daughter-in-law, Amy Fredeen; and wife of 55 years, Audrey Fredeen. He is survived by his daughter, Theresa Overton and husband Simon of Pleasanton, Calif.; son, Erik Fredeen and wife Kerrie of Eagle River; son, Craig Fredeen of Anchorage, Alaska; and grandchildren, Christopher, Emma and Sarah Overton, Ki and Conner Fredeen and Levon Fredeen. Wayne's surviving siblings include Bruce Fredeen of Bellevue, Wash., and Gary Fredeen of Bellevue.

A memorial service will be held on April 23, 2023, at Joy Lutheran Church in Eagle River, at 2:30 p.m. A graveside service will be held in Preston, in summer 2023, where Wayne will be laid to rest next to Audrey.

 
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03/29/23 09:01 PM #4    

Dave Norton

Wayne was always calm and friendly. A real professional. RIP


03/30/23 08:28 AM #5    

Mel Jessee

I worked a lot with Wayne and always found him to be very helpful and supportive. He was a very nice person with high integrity. RIP Wayne…


03/30/23 11:11 AM #6    

David Sunday

RIP my friend


03/30/23 06:56 PM #7    

Ben Holeman

Wayne was more than a fellow employee, he was a bright star that always brought some sunshine into your day, even if it was raining... He was a helpful friend. RIP, my friend.

 


04/02/23 02:24 PM #8    

Kenneth Peacock

Wayne was a pleasure to work with and provided great service to the running of the pipeline. He was always there when needed.
RIP Wayne

04/03/23 09:43 AM #9    

Keith Burke

I had the pleasure of working with Wayne for 10 years and he was always a true gentleman and professional.

I remember hearing Wayne whistle as he would be coming down the hallway. always up lifting. 

He alway brought a possitive attirude to everything and where ever he was.

You always added value. Heaven will be better with you there.

RIP Wayne


04/03/23 01:29 PM #10    

J Chris Alexander

Wayne and I got to work together on Pipeline housing and other projects. He was a true professional and always followed through. Great guy, RIHP Wayne.


04/04/23 08:43 AM #11    

Bill Howitt

I have to echo all the comments already made.  Wayne was always a ray of sunshine in the day.  Sometimes, when we were in the middle of some crisis or some really narly situation, I would first think that he just really didn't get it.  But he did and he always came through and got the job done.  It was just the way he approached life.  There wasn't a phony bone in his body.  Rest in peace Wayne.  You did good.


04/04/23 09:02 PM #12    

Larry Wood

As so many have more eloquently stated, Wayne was a superb, friendly, and talented co-worker whose trademarks included a ready smile, warm greeting, and a humble, can do attitude.  Terrific man.


04/07/23 08:18 AM #13    

Mike Smulski

Well said, my friends. Wayne made all of our lives a little easier and a little happier.


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