Joyce Sanford Fredrickson

Joyce Sanford Fredrickson, 95, of Wanamingo, MN, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Samaritan Bethany in Rochester, MN.

He was born on March 7, 1931, in Faribault, MN, to Joseph and Selma (Grothe) Fredrickson, one of nine children. They were raised on the family farm in rural Wanamingo. Joyce worked on multiple farms in his teenage years.

Joyce met Colleen Johnson at the Trianon Ballroom south of Pine Island… he took one look at her and said, “she’s the one”! Joyce served in the U.S. Army for two years and was a Korean War veteran. Following his service, Joyce and Colleen were married September 1953. They went on to raise seven children in a remodeled schoolhouse (that Joyce attended as a child) in rural Wanamingo.

He worked at Mann Construction as a shovel operator in Red Wing, at Prairie Island Nuclear Plant as a carpenter’s assistant, and then started Fredrickson Plumbing, which he owned and operated with his son, Dale, until he retired at the age of 77. Joyce is fondly remembered as having “the gift of gab” and he could strike up a conversation with anyone! He was a man of great faith. Joyce served as the Superintendent of the Minneola Sunday School, helped start church in Dodge Center, taught bible study to inmates for many years at the Goodhue County Jail, and went on mission trips with Bible Lutheran Church to Mexico. In the early 60’s he was instrumental in building a ski jump on Lund’s Hill.

Joyce enjoyed being outside, whether it was in his garden, hobby farm, or sunporch. He also enjoyed visiting Treasure Island for brunch (and the occasional slots), birdwatching, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his children, Julie and Rhonda of Rochester, Dale of Wanamingo, Jill of Hillsboro, OR, and Kay of Ridge Manor, FL; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; three sisters; and one brother. He was preceded in death by four siblings and two children, Cindy and Fred.

Memorial Service will be held at 2pm Friday, September 25, 2026, at Mahn Family Funeral Home-Larson Chapel, in Zumbrota, MN, with Reverend Judy Thompson-Reitz officiating. Private burial at Minneola Lutheran Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to donor’s choice in Joyce’s honor.