In loving memory of

Charles "Chuck" Faaborg Frederiksen
November 3, 1930 - February 3, 2021


Charles "Chuck" Frederiksen, age 90, of Ames, Iowa, passed away at Israel Family Hospice on February 3, 2021 with his family by his side, in Ames, Iowa. A celebration of Chuck's life will be Saturday, June 12, 2021 from 2- 4:00 p.m. at Moore Memorial Park, Big Bluestem Shelter, 3050 Northridge Parkway, Ames, Iowa 50014.

Charles Faaborg Frederiksen was born in the Danish community of Elk Horn, Iowa on November 3, 1930, the son of Frederik Verner and Edna Leonora Faaborg Frederiksen. His family moved to Exira, Iowa when he was three, where he attended and graduated from high school as valedictorian of his class. Chuck graduated from Iowa State University with a BS in Zoology and a master's degree in Entomology, and then served two years in the United States Air Force, stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippine Islands. He met Joanne Dolores Bireline of Adair, Iowa, and the couple was married on June 27, 1954 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adair. Upon returning from active military duty, Chuck accepted employment at the ISU Department of Residence. For nearly 50 years, Chuck had a distinguished career in the college and university housing profession. He became the Director of Residence in 1967 and retired in 1996. During his tenure at Iowa State, Chuck oversaw the construction, staffing and occupancy of many student housing and dining service facilities, including five residence halls and single and married family apartment complexes. Chuck received two significant recognitions during and following his retirement from ISU. The first was the establishment of the Frederiksen Leadership Award for student leaders living in university housing. The second recognition was the naming of a new housing complex, Frederiksen Court, in April 2002. Frederiksen Court currently houses more than 3500 single undergraduate students in 29 buildings. Chuck was an active member of Bethesda Lutheran Church, as well as in the Ames community, serving in a leadership capacity at the church, Ames Kiwanis Club, Ames Noon Rotary Club, Ames-Gilbert United Way, City of Ames Community Development Board, Ames Cyclone Club and the Ames Convention Bureau Task Force. As a tribute to his Danish heritage, Chuck was a charter member of the Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn, Iowa, serving as a member since its inception, and actively participating on the Board of Directors, including election to President of the Board. After returning from active duty in the US Air Force, Chuck served in the Air Force Reserves, retiring as a Major in 1990. After retiring from ISU, Chuck enjoyed coffee with his friends, volunteering in the community, loving his wife of more than 66 years, and doting on his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Joanne; sons John (Linda), Mark (Barbara), James (Mimi); daughter-in-law Melanie (Craig) Frederiksen Bear; grandchildren Travis (Chelsie), Tyler (Megan), David, Robert (Rianna), Jordan, Meghanne, Tyler, Nick, Kyle, Jacob and Rachel Frederiksen, and Amy (Hunter) Frederiksen Koeshall; great-grandchildren Owen, Avery and Brody Frederiksen; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patricia Lotz; and son, Pastor Paul Frederiksen.

Memorials may be directed to: Bethesda Lutheran Church, the Iowa State University Foundation for the Charles F. Frederiksen Leadership Award, or The Museum of Danish America (in Elk Horn).

Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

Tributes

Demarcus Baker III wrote on May 8, 2023:

"My friend, despite me being a complete stranger, I watched your life achievements and the great and stable family you built. You look like a very kind soul, and I do wish that I had the chance to meet you if you were still among us. Rest in peace my friend, fly high. Best regards, a stranger from the internet"

Carolyn Roeber Wiebers wrote on Oct 13, 2021:

"My condolences to the family of this amazing man. I first met Mr. Frederiksen, always Mr. Frederiksen, in 1973, when I was a freshman living in Northgate. As a friend of one of his sons, we were always welcomed into the family home, and during the course of my college life, Mr. and Mrs. Frederiksen were always warm and welcoming. It was a great comfort to know that as I was negotiating my way through ISU, as a dorm resident and as an RA, that Mr. Frederiksen was always available, and really didn?t mind those spur of the moment visits to his office. I?m know he is missed. "

REv. Chuck Rhodes wrote on Jun 9, 2021:

"My deepest condolence to the family and colleagues of Chuck. When I started working for the Housing program at UW-Madison, Chuck was the President of ACUHO-I. Over the next few years, I would have the pleasure of being with Chuck in a variety of situations. He was also a man of class, kind and concerned about the well being of others. He was a leader in social justice years before others. A true leader, he was always encouraging new professionals and students. He leaves a legacy that will endure for decades."

George Belitsos wrote on May 14, 2021:

"My deepest sympathy to Chuck's family. He was on the Ames ISU YMCA Board of Directors when I was hired to work with runaway and homeless youth in campustown. That led to the founding of YSS. Chuck was always very supportive and encouraging of my work with troubled youth. In recent years, I would try to sit next to him at Rotary and had a great time talking to him about YSS in the early years. He will be missed."

Duane and Shirley Acker wrote on Feb 10, 2021:

"To Joanne and family, we send our condolence on the loss of Chuck. He was held in high regard from the time I played baseball against him in high school, then watched his baseball career and later his career in the ISU housing department. He was a natural for leading the large residence system and dealing constructively with students. We thoroughly enjoyed our several evenings playing bridge with him and Joanne. Chuck left a positive impression on all. You can be proud to be significant parts of his life. Duane and Shirley Acker"

Joanie Schmidt wrote on Feb 9, 2021:

"I am so thankful to have crossed Chuck?s path. He was respected in the residence life community around the world and he will be remembered for his leadership, mentoring and most especially his kindness. Joanie Schmidt, CMU, Emeritus "

Gary Putnam wrote on Feb 8, 2021:

"Chuck was a heroic mentor during my collegiate days. Serving as an HR and Supervisor of Head Residents brought me close to his invaluable guidance. I seriously considered pursing a career similar to his because of what he brought to so many. I did go to seminary to become an ordained minister and after 41 years of active service still acknowledge those years in the residence halls as among the finest preparations for compassionate leadership through Chuck's guidance and modeling. Gary Putnam, ISU 1961"

Barbara Mallon wrote on Feb 7, 2021:

"Our family became acquainted with Chuck from our mom's years of working at Richardson Court. She loved the interaction with students and staff, remaining friends with many even after retirement. Please accept condolences from the family of Virginia Weeks. Susan Skei, Barbara Mallon and Craig Weeks. "

Glenn Burger wrote on Feb 5, 2021:

"From 1979-1984, I had the privilege of working in the ISU Dept.of Residence. Worked for Gary Schwartz in the UDA and was just a few doors down from Chuck. To say that Chuck and Gary helped shape my understanding of leadership would be understatement. Of all my employment experience to date, my best has been with Chuck and the Dept. of Residence. We were indeed a family and Chuck and Joanne welcomed all of us. Ralph Waldo Emerson, in his definition "What is Success" closes by saying "to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - this is to have succeeded". There can never be a question that Chuck succeeded, many times over."

Glenda and Don Eggerling wrote on Feb 5, 2021:

"Chuck and Joanne sat in the pew behind ours in the sanctuary at Bethesda Lutheran Church. They almost always were there ahead of us. As we walked past them to sit in the pew in front, both of them would give us big smiles and nod their heads in friendly greetings. It became a sort of warm and friendly ritual to start our worship on Sunday mornings. Thanks to both of you for this. Joanne, we are truly sorry for your loss of Chuck. He was such a good neighbor in the sanctuary."

Wayne Olson wrote on Feb 4, 2021:

"We will miss you, Chuck. Chuck was my first cousin, on the Frederiksen side of the family, and we lived less than a block from their home when we were growing up. My brother Bill and I were 10 & 12 years younger than Chuck, as were many of the neighborhood kids, and we all admired him. He was an excellent baseball player (pitcher), was involved in music at school and just an all around great guy. He and his sister Pat were the first of our cousins to go to college and they were our inspiration, for sure. Many wonderful memories from childhood, and adulthood as well. Chuck and Joanne knew what the word hospitality really means. We'll miss you Chuck, but we also know that you are now in the Peaceful arms of God. Thank you for being who you were. Wayne Olson"

Charles O Campbell wrote on Feb 4, 2021:

"Most influence in my college life and later career advice. He was an amazing person. "