Remembering Rev. Roger Fredrikson

Members of the University of Sioux Falls community mourn the loss of Rev. Roger Fredrikson, who graduated from USF in 1942 and served as a USF Board of Trustees member for many years. Instrumental in the lives of countless people, Rev. Fredrikson was a friend, mentor, prayer warrior and inspiration to the USF campus community.

“Roger was a man who was universally loved and respected by all,” said USF President Mark Benedetto. “USF will forever be thankful and grateful for Roger's intimate connection with our institution.”

According to Rev. Dennis Thum, USF dean of chapel, Rev. Fredrikson had the unique ability to make whomever he was talking to at the moment seem like the most important person in his world.

“He had a wealth of stories that he could tell, but he was always ready to learn one more story about somebody else,” said Rev. Thum. “The annual Roger Fredrikson chapel service was always a treat as I would watch this elderly statesman cross a huge generation gap and engage a room full of college students. Roger and his wife Ruth were such a remarkable team. My life is far richer for having known them.”

Rev. Fredrikson served as the pastor of First Baptist Church in Sioux Falls for 16 years. He also served as the president of the American Baptist Churches, and he was active as a professor of religion and an author. USF’s Roger & Ruth Fredrikson School of Education and Center for Christian Thought is dedicated to Roger and his late wife Ruth. He also received an honorary doctorate degree from USF.

Rev. Fredrikson's visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 23, in the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church, 1401 S. Covell Ave., Sioux Falls, and his memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 24, in the First Baptist sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Baptist, Sioux Falls; First Baptist, Ottawa, Kans.; the University of Sioux Falls; and Ottawa University.