Noel Frederickson

Noel Frederickson, age 77, passed away on October 24, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of a family who will miss him deeply.

Noel was born on October 14, 1949, in New Ulm, Minnesota, to Lee and Muriel (Blomquist) Frederickson. He grew up on the family farm near Hanska, a place that remained close to his heart throughout his life. He graduated from Hanska High School in 1967 and continued his education at Mankato Area Vocational-Technical Institute, graduating in 1970.

In 1973, Noel married Kathy Elbert. Although they later divorced, together they welcomed two daughters, Jill and Laurie, who would go on to give Noel one of the greatest joys of his life: being a grandfather.

Noel worked for Paape Distributing for more than 30 years. Hardworking and mechanically gifted, he had an incredible ability to understand how things worked and, more importantly, how to fix them. Whether it was a lawn mower, tractor, car, motorcycle, four-wheeler, or small engine, Noel was happiest when he had something to tinker with. He restored numerous vintage cars over the years and had an amazing ability to identify the year, make, and model of just about any vehicle he saw on the road.

But as much as Noel loved anything with an engine, the things that brought him the most happiness were often the simplest. He loved spending time with his family, fishing and boating, watching the Vikings on Sundays, gardening, and simply being outdoors. He enjoyed returning to the farm where he grew up, a place filled with memories and a connection to his roots that stayed with him throughout his life.

Noel was also a true animal lover. Over the years, he had several beloved dogs who were his loyal companions and rarely far from his side. His kindness extended to the stray cats that found their way to him as well. He made sure they were cared for, fed, and had a place where they were welcome. His soft spot for animals was just one of the many ways his gentle and caring nature showed itself.

Noel will be remembered for his kindness, his mechanical know-how, his love of animals and the outdoors, and his ability to fix just about anything. To those who loved him, however, he will be remembered most simply as Dad, Grandpa, brother, uncle, and family. The projects he completed and the cars he restored are part of his story, but his greatest legacy is found in the family he leaves behind and the memories they will carry with them.

Noel is survived by his daughters, Jill Frederickson-Kratzke and Laurie Anderson; sons-in-law, Joe Kratzke and Scott Anderson; grandchildren, Jakeb Kratzke, Jacen Kratzke, Annalee Anderson, and Avery Anderson; sisters, Tammy Johnson and Emy Lawson; brothers-in-law, Brian Johnson and Vern Lawson; brother, Ric Frederickson; sister-in-law, Jan Frederickson; and many beloved nieces and nephews, along with extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Muriel Frederickson; his sister, Cheryl Mosenden; brother-in-law, Larry Mosenden; and nephew, Javen Mosenden.

A visitation celebrating Noel's life will be held on Friday, October 30 starting at 4:00 with a prayer service at 6:00 at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary.

Noel leaves behind more than the cars he restored, the engines he brought back to life, and the things he could somehow always find a way to fix. He leaves behind a family who loved him, grandchildren who will carry his memory forward, and countless stories that will continue to be told. We will think of him when we see an old car on the road, hear the Vikings playing on a Sunday afternoon, see a dog faithfully following its person, or find ourselves wishing Dad or Grandpa were here because, surely, he would know how to fix it.

Noel's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Oak Terrace and Prairie Care Hospice for the incredible care, compassion, and kindness they showed Noel over the past three years. Your patience, tenderness, and dedication brought him comfort and dignity, and gave our family peace knowing he was surrounded by people who truly cared for him. We will always be grateful for the many ways you touched Noel's life and ours.