September 27, 1928 – August 28, 2024
Vance O. Fredrickson was born on September 27,1928 in McIntosh, Minnesota to Almer and Norah (Hefte) Fredrickson. He was the youngest of their seven children, twelve years younger than his closest sibling. He passed away peacefully, in the presence of his children, Kathryn and Paul, on July 28, 2024 in Tacoma,Washington at the age of 95 years old.
Although born to a farming family and in many ways a farmer at heart, Vance moved to Enumclaw at age 13 with his parents. He attended local schools and graduated from Enumclaw High School in 1945. While working at Rochdale Grocery in Enumclaw, he regularly delivered groceries to the Osen residence and met the young lady of the house, Elois. They were married in June 1950 and shared life together as loving and faithful companions for 67 years until Elois’ passing in 2017.
Vance’s career has the distinguishing story of beginning at an entry level and advancing steadily over many years to become President.
In 1955, he started his career at Farmer’s Mutual Insurance in the Underwriting Department. Although life was busy with a young family, Vance went to college at night for many years and achieved the insurance industry professional designations of Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU). In 1967, he was promoted to Vice President of Underwriting.
Two years later he was promoted to Executive Vice President/General Manager. The company grew, expanding service throughout multiple Northwest states becoming Mutual of Enumclaw Insurance Company. In 1981, he was named President and served in that role until his retirement in 1994.
Following retirement he served as Chairman of the Board,1994-1995, then as a Trustee,1995-2005. During his career, he served in several state-wide insurance industry leadership roles including President of theWashington Insurance Council.
Vance and Elois saw much of the country from his motorcycle. They were members of the Christian Motorcycle Association and enjoyed attending club annual gatherings and weekly rides. They also became especially fond of an annual February trip in their RV to Death Valley, California, to escape the rain and clouds of the Pacific Northwest. About ten years ago they moved to Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community, where they lived the final years of their lives.
He is remembered by his family as a man of unwavering integrity, deep compassion, quiet, unassuming, unquestioned faith in God and dedication to his wife, family and community.
Vance is survived by his daughter, Kathryn Ann Hulet of Bothell, son Paul Fredrickson (Lisa) of Gig Harbor; grandchildren: Sarah (Aaron) Bendickson, Rebecca Hulet, Charissa Matthias, Cooper Fredrickson and Quinn Fredrickson; and great-grandchildren: Joel, Isaac and Silas Bendickson and Adleigh Matthias.
A Memorial Service in his honor will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1535Washington Ave, Enumclaw,Washington on August 24, 2024 at 11 AM. Lunch and graveside service to follow.
Please share a memory on the tribute wall at www.weeksfuneralhomes.com.
