Gerald Frederick

Gerald Arthur Frederick, 86, of Battle Lake, passed away on March 13, 2026, after a brief illness.

Born on April 7, 1939, in Perham to August and Lorraine (Hult) Frederick, Gerald grew up on the family farm near rural Underwood and graduated from Underwood High School in 1957. In 1962, he married Karen Swendsrud in Dalton, Minnesota. Their marriage of 63 years was marked by deep partnership and shared values.

Gerald worked as an accountant for the Otter Tail County Highway Department until his retirement in 2003. He found great joy in farming, a lifelong passion he shared across four generations—from his father through to his son and grandson. He also cherished bowling, golfing, fishing, and hunting, pursuits that remained important to him throughout his life. Above all, he treasured the time spent with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers James and David Frederick, his parents-in-law Clifford and Bessie Swendsrud, and brother-in-law Charles Swendsrud. Gerald is survived by his wife Karen of Battle Lake; his children, Ellen Stalboerger and Philip (Brenda) Frederick; five grandchildren, Paige (Nathan) Carlson, Morgan (Nate) Gesme, Brock Stalboerger, Jordan Frederick, and Drew Stalboerger; four great-grandchildren, Isla, Henry, Oslo, and Katherine; and his sisters, Judy (Richard) Olson and Sharon (Jim) Schleicher. His immediate family gathered at the farm to celebrate his life and memory.