Herman B. “Ben” Fredricks
Herman B. “Ben” Fredricks
Herman B. “Ben” Fredricks, 72, passed away at home on Aug. 2, 2010. Ben was a citizen of the world and the de-facto Mayor of many different cities and towns including, Muskegon and Ruby Creek, Michigan, La Paz Mexico, Hibbing Minnesota, Pine Island, Florida and Nyona Lake, Indiana. He was known to many of his friends as “Good Time Benny” and he lived life to the fullest.
Ben was a Renaissance man and was gifted in the arts and construction trades. He ran sail boats in Mexico, managed architectural firms and started various construction companies…he was a man of many talents.
He was a supporter of the underprivileged and offered help to anyone he encountered. Ben helped his friends rebuild after many of the recent storms that passed through the Gulf Coast of Florida. He was a wonderful and loving spirit and he will be missed by family and his many friends across the globe.
Ben was predeceased by his loving parents, Maurice H. Fredricks and Alyce M. (Chamberlain) Fredricks. He is survived by his loving sisters, Marlyce M Harte, of Cape Coral, Florida, Renee A. (Larry G.) Galombeck, of Grand Haven, Michigan, Sally S. Gould (special friend Jim Schmidt) and his brother, Gar M. (Joan C.) Fredricks of Muskegon, Michigan. Ben is also survived and loved by his children Maurice (Maury) R. (Karen E.) Fredricks, Laurie L. (Jim) VanTol, Bruce A. (Tracy) Fredricks, Brent S ((Amy) Fredricks, of Grand Haven and Brian C. (Vanessa) Fredricks of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Ben also was blessed with 15 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
He was also the best (well, one of the best) uncles in the world to many nephews and nieces…he will be missed by all of us!
Ben was blessed many times over and is also survived by the mother of his children Karen Maples, of Spring Lake, Michigan and his loving fiance Darcy Mc Nary of Pine Island, Florida and Indiana.
The family is planning a memorial service in late September on the shores of Lake Michigan. A southern memorial service will be scheduled to be held in St. James City, Pine Island, Florida for the holidays.
Memorials to Hospice of North Ottawa Community or the American Cancer Society will be appreciated.