Donald Jack Fredericks 'Jack,' 72

Donald Jack Fredericks "Jack," 72, of Ballantine, Mont., passed away Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, at Billings Clinic, with his loving wife and family surrounding him.

Jack was born April 1, 1938, to Hubert and Lydia (Heit) Fredericks in Livingston, Mont. He lived in the Livingston area until his family moved to Harrison where he graduated high school in 1957.

Jack married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Grier, on March 9, 1957. To this union were born three children: Gary Fredericks, Corina Fredericks (Schwarzinger) and Ed Fredericks. Jack and Shirley lived, worked and loved in Billings, Mont., until 1973, when they moved to Ballantine. This family worked as a unit and built their dream home in Ballantine. Jack retired from ExxonMobil in 1995 to care for Shirley. Shirley passed away in November 1996. Jack continued living in the family home until May 2010.

As life has many ways to bless us, Jack met a special lady (Pam) and fell in love again. This love brought many blessings into many people's lives. On Feb. 15, 2001, Jack married Pam Reynolds. Not only did Jack gain a wife, he added Pam's five children to his family with loving, open arms. Jack passed away on his and Pam's 10th wedding anniversary, Feb. 15, 2011. Jack and Pam had a life full of family, tons of love and never a dull moment!

Jack was a rock to his family. He was wise, loving and compassionate. He was a prayer warrior for those he loved. There wasn't anything he couldn't fix. He always had an answer for all questions. If he didn't know something, he knew where to look.

Jack loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has passed his example to all of us. Jack had been suffering from severe health problems the past few months. He was ready to "go home." He wanted all our children, grandchildren and extended family with him when he passed. With God's mercy and grace, we were able to make this happen for him.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Shirley; his brothers, Melvin and Lester; and nephew Steve. Also many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Jack is survived by his wife, Pam; son Gary (Diana) Fredericks; daughter Corina (Fredericks) Schwarzinger; son Ed Fredericks; Pam's children, Nick Reynolds, Wendy Harrison, Leslie (Jason) Jochems, Chris (Sarah) Reynolds and Andy (Mandi) Reynolds. Also by grandchildren Trista (Chris) Hoffman, Josh (Kayla) Fredericks, Connor, Taylor and Miranda Schwarzinger, Sadie and Lexi Fredericks, Robert Quanbeck (Justine), JD and Cody Reynolds, Kaleb, Keenan and Kamille Reynolds, Hunter Jochems, Ethan Reynolds and Aiden Reynolds. Also by great-granddaughters, Erykah Hoffman and Adarra Fredericks. Also by sister Bernice Boe; brother Carl (Saundra) Fredericks; sister-in-law Hilda Fredericks and mother-in-law Noma Adams. Also former son-in-law and dear friend, Wil Schwarzinger. Also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jack had a loving heart for his family. Family was the most important thing to Jack and he blessed us all with his love, guidance, sense of humor and memories that will be treasured forever. Thank you, Jack, for an amazing life. Our memories are so precious. In our hearts you will stay forever and always.

Memorial service will be held at at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011, at Open Bible Christian Center, 302 19th St. West, Billings.

Arrangements by Smith Funeral Chapels.