Dale W. Frederick

Dale Frederick, age 92, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, at a Sioux Falls care center.

A Celebration of Dale's life will be held at a later date at the Watertown Christian Church.

Dale Walter Frederick was born in Watertown on April 29, 1927, to DeVoit and Susie (Breyer) Frederick. He grew up in Watertown, attending WHS until he enlisted into the U.S. Navy at age 17. He became the 5th son in his family to serve his country in the military during World War II. Following his discharge from the service, he returned to Watertown, working various jobs. In 1951, he followed a number of his brothers and sisters out to California, seeking new job opportunities in the Los Angeles area. He found work with Douglas Aircraft, where he enjoyed a long career, eventually becoming a manager at the Long Beach facility.

On April 6, 1968, he was united in marriage to Carol Jo Farris in Inglewood, California. The new couple was blessed with twin boys, followed later by two more sons. Dale and Carol loved to take their four boys camping - to the ocean beach or to the mountains, they traveled and enjoyed their life in Southern California. They also enjoyed the many get-togethers with family and friends in the area, including hosting events at their home in Buena Park.

Following Dale's retirement from McDonnel Douglas in 1982, he and Carol decided to move the family to South Dakota, to experience life in the Midwest. While the boys learned how to fish, hunt and enjoy the outdoors, the family settled into their new home in Chamberlain. Dale set up his workshop, where he used his woodworking skills to remodel their home, and to do handyman work around the area.

After the boys were off on their own, Dale and Carol decided to sell their home, pull up stakes and become full time RV travelers. They roamed the country in their motorhome, visiting old friends and family, while making many new friends along the way. After a few years of exploring, they settled back down, ending up in Watertown in 1997. Dale set up shop again, and he and Carol enjoyed the challenge of a new home remodeling project.

The traveling bug bit once more in 2004, and they hit the road one more time, finally ending up back in Watertown for good in 2007. During all their travels, they always enjoyed returning to South Dakota in the summer, to reconnect and visit their family and friends back in Dale's home state. His great loves throughout his life were family, pets, traveling, and of course - entertaining around the BBQ grille.

Dale was a member of the Watertown Christian Church. He and Carol maintained a connection with the Christian Church, in California, and throughout their traveling life.

Dale is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carol, of Watertown; their children, Eric Frederick of Sioux Falls, Andy Frederick of Chamberlain, Darrin Frederick of Sioux Falls, and Troy Frederick of Rapid City; 8 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 6 brothers, Arthur "Swede" Frederick, Robert Frederick, Harry Frederick, Harold Frederick, Charles "Chuck" Frederick and Harvey "Pick" Frederick; 5 sisters, Margaret Finkenhagen, Helen Frederick, Louise Swanson, Geraldine "Gerry" Ewer, and Donna Marci.

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