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Gary Eugene Fredekind, 77
Gary Eugene Fredekind, 77, passed away Dec. 15, 2019, in the Hospice unit at the Spokane Veterans Administration Medical Center.
Gary was born and raised in Coeur d’Alene and graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1960. He joined the U.S. Army straight out of high school and spent the next 24 years serving his country, including two tours in Vietnam. While stationed in West Germany, he met and later married Angelika (Angie) Van de Loo, in 1969. They had two children: Patricia, born in 1970 and Steven, in 1973.
Gary spent a great deal of time overseas during his 24 years in the Army; Vietnam, Turkey, Iran, Germany and South Korea were just a few of his more notable destinations. In 1981, he moved the family back to Coeur d’Alene, where he spent the rest of his life. In 1984, Gary retired as a Master Sergeant and his marriage to Angie ended amicably.
He spent the next 20 years of his retirement working part-time as a custodian at local schools, finishing at John Brown Elementary in Rathdrum. Upon the passing of his father, Gary moved back into his childhood home of St. Maries, where he remained until his passing.
Gary enjoyed fishing, traveling (in his “hoopty”) and was a voracious reader. He loved spending time with family and friends. He was a staple at the Post Falls Eagles.
Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Ellen; father, Paul; and sister, Janet. He is survived by son Steven (Melissa) Fredekind of Spokane and daughter Patricia (Paul) Senrick of Colorado Springs. He has four grandsons: Justin, Ryan, Luke and Christopher and one granddaughter, Abigail, who all loved their grandpa very much.
A memorial service will be held in the Summer of 2020 at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, where his remains will be interred.