To view the flowers from Jean’s service, click here: Jean Fredrich Flowers
Jean Ann Fredrich was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven February 18th, 2024, peacefully holding hands with her husband Larry in the comfort of her home.
Born to Leon and Esther (Miller) Martin on November 6th, 1941 Jean was raised in Donnybrook, ND and graduated high school, in 3 years, from St. Agnes Catholic School, in 1959. She was united in marriage to Larry Fredrich April 3rd, 1961 at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Minot ND (62 years). Together they purchased a farmstead in rural Des Lacs, North Dakota.
During her life Jean had many employment roles. She worked at the City of Minot, Easter Seals GoodWill, and most recently at Menards, where she had the honor of being the oldest Employee of the Month! In her later years, she was never Jean, always Grandma Jean, everyone would take time out of their day to stop by for a rich, firm hug from Grandma Jean.
Her real passion was in horse showing. She ran the NDSF Horse Shows for 30 plus years. Throughout this time Jean participated in shows across North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. Jean was an Inductee in NDQHA Hall of Fame and Horsewoman of the year by Red River Breeding Association. She was a member of several associations including NDPA, NDQHA, MNAHA, NDAHA, ND Paint and ND Draft.
Jean had a heart for animals. Along with Larry, she oversaw their cattle operation, raising Misty View Arabian Horses, pomeranians and corgis. In addition to the dogs and barn cats along the way! To this day the family jokes about the barn cats getting an “8 course meal” each day and Pappy more treats then dog food!
Although Grandma Jean loved her animals, nothing brightened her day more than her grandkids. She never missed an opportunity to support her grandchildren. Her love will be held close and dearly missed.
Jean knew how to garden! She grew enough tomatoes and pepper plants to share with the entire family. Then, in the fall, along with Debbie and Kim, she’d can and preserve everything she could. She passed down her love of gardening and canning to her daughters and grandchildren – although not entirely her green thumb! She provided for her family, and no one was ever hungry in her house.
Jean found joy in sharing a hot cup of coffee with anyone who would stop in, and a baked goodie to accompany it. On the rare occasion that Jean did not have a baked treat, there was always a bowl of candy within reach. Jean was responsible for bringing the pies on holidays as she made the best, her secret ingredient, extra sugar!
Jean is survived by her loving husband Larry Fredrich, rural Des Lacs ND, daughters Debbie (Dwight) Raszler, rural Des Lacs ND, and Kim (Steve Pinnow) Urban, Minot ND, former son-in-law Troy (Kimberly Eckleberry) Urban, Surrey ND, grandchildren Clint Ellis, Minot ND, Chantel Urban, Lakewood CO, Gus (Meggan) Urban, Minot ND, Bridger (Beka) Urban, Devils Lake ND, Levon Duchaine rural Des Lacs ND, and Nikenna Duchaine-Raszler, rural Des Lacs ND, and great grandchildren Owen, Landon, Samuel and Aspen Ellis and Larry and Hank Urban.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents Leon and Esther Martin and sister June Kamp.
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 22, 2024 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.
Interment: Saint Anthony Cemetery, Donnybrook, ND.
Visitation: Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, plants or trees, memorials are preferred.
