Phyllis C. Fredricks

Phyllis C. Fredricks, 86, of La Crescent, MN, and formerly of La Crosse, WI, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Springbrook Village in La Crescent.  She was born on August 7, 1937, in Winona, MN, to Henry and Mary (Malewicki) Gerth, Sr. She married Alan Fredricks in 1960 and became a mother to five children.

After being inducted into the National Honor Society, Phyllis graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1955, and received a scholarship to St Mary's School of Practical Nursing in Rochester, MN, where she became a registered nurse.  She later attended Viterbo University in La Crosse and Winona State University in Winona, earning a degree in Health Education in 1976. Phyllis worked for many years as a nurse, followed by a position as a medical records clerk at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. She also worked at the Red Cross and held various other jobs before retiring in 2004.  Phyllis was a long-time member of the Roncalli Newman Catholic Parish in La Crosse, WI.

Phyllis enjoyed music, reading, word and jigsaw puzzles, growing flowers, and travel, especially to Alaska.  She loved watching baseball and was remarkably accurate at predicting the outcomes of football games.  She spent a few winters on the Gulf Coast of Florida after she retired.  She loved walking the beaches with her walker, collecting seashells, and never tired of watching the tides turn.  She hunted for the Oktoberfest medallion several times, getting up before dawn to sweet talk the men loading delivery trucks behind the Tribune building into giving her a look at the next day's clue before the papers hit newsstands.  They never said no.  Phyllis made the best potato salad and derby pie.  She sewed christening gowns for several of her grandchildren and knit sweaters for her grand dogs. Phyllis loved to learn and regularly attended lectures at the local library.  She took woodworking and photography classes and volunteered to "run the lights" at several theatre productions.

Phyllis is survived by her children:  Michelle Swanson of Morehead, MN; Kim Fredricks of La Crosse; Jeff (Stacey) Fredricks of Brice Prairie, WI; Denise Fredricks of La Crosse; and Scott Fredricks of La Crosse;  sisters: Helen (Rich) Flores of Peotone, IL; Polly Johnson of Xenia, OH; brother, Henry (Ann) Gerth of Winona; brother-in-law, Albert Mulyck of Winona; sister-in-law, Judy Fredricks of Denver, CO; grandchildren: Tamara, Ben (Danielle), Eliora, Jacob, and Zeke Fredricks;  and Duncan and Reilly Swanson. Phyllis had one great-granddaughter, Addelyn Fredricks, as well as many nieces and nephews.  Family has always been very important to Phyllis.  She prioritized time with grandchildren above all else, and never willingly missed a school or sports event. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Henrietta and Irene; and her brother, Frank.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at noon on Monday, January 29, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1303 W. Broadway, Winona.  Father Russell Scepaniak will officiate.  Phyllis will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona.

Visitation will be held from 2 PM until 4 PM, on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona, where a Christian Wake Service will be held at 4 PM.  Visitation will also be held in the Commons of St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Monday, January 29, 2024, from 11 AM until the time of the Mass. 

Online condolences or memories may be left for Phyllis’ family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Phyllis' family sends sincere gratitude to Springbrook Village of La Crescent for their loving care and Moments Hospice for their care and compassion as Phyllis declined. We so appreciate everything you did for our mother. 

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home of Winona is assisting the family with arrangements.