Fredericks, Marguerite Alice

Marguerite Alice Fredericks, 86, of Belle Plaine, died Oct. 21, 2009, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids. Funeral services: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at St. Michael's Church, by Deacon Joe Behounek. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Hrabak Funeral Home in Belle Plaine, with a Scripture service at 7:30 p.m.

Survivors include her husband, Chester “Fred” Fredericks; children, Paul (Connie) Fredericks, Mike (Kathy) Fredericks, Sue Martin and Cindy (Ray) Tessmer; brother, Joe Stamm; her 10 beloved grandchildren, Marcus, Steve, Anya, Alisa, Sara, Erica, Amanda, Gina, Aaron and Allison; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and an infant son, Mark.

Marguerite “Peg” Fredericks was born Oct. 4, 1923, in Chicago to Joseph and Henrietta Stamm. She grew up in the Pullman District on the city's southeast side during the Depression. She met her future husband, Fred, before World War II and waited for him to complete his military service. They married on Oct. 12, 1946. Before dedicating her life to taking care of her husband and their four children, she worked as an executive secretary to Chicago real estate developer Arthur Rubloff for seven years. After Fred's retirement in 1998, they moved to Belle Plaine. She was a member of St. Michael's Church and loved the friendliness of the parish and the community.

Peg was the nucleus of the Fredericks family and will be deeply missed. She never forgot anyone's birthday or anniversary and she provided unconditional love and support to all. Peg was selfless and dedicated to taking care of her loved ones, even when she herself was sick. People were touched by her warm and outgoing personality and she formed long-lasting friendships wherever she went.

She fought and conquered cancer three times in the last 15 years and survived endless rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, but her heart was weakened and tired and she faced the end with quiet dignity and strength.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in her memory.

Peg's family thanks the hospice team at St. Luke's for their excellent care.