Arnold Fredricks

Arnold Fabien Fredricks was born on April 23, 1932, in Ash Lake Township, MN, to Henry & Freda (Alleckson) Fredricks. He attended school in Arco and worked with his father and brothers on the family farm. In 1952 he was drafted into the Army during the Korean Conflict. He received his honorable discharge after being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, the disease that eventually took his eyesight. He also trucked with his brother Larry for ADM. As his eyesight began to decline, Arnie enrolled in the School for the Blind in Minneapolis, MN, in August, 1961. There he met the love of his life, Kathy Anderson. They were united in marriage at the Church of God in Minneapolis on January 13, 1962. To this union three children were born.

On March 27, 1962, Arnie accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, and answered God’s call on his life to ministry. In 1972 Arnie graduated from Pillsbury Baptist College of Owatonna, MN, and attended one year at Central Baptist Seminary of Minneapolis, graduating with honors. He became an evangelist, ministering in the upper Midwest. He received his Honorary Doctorate of Divinity, Theology and Letters from Great Plains Baptist Divinity School in Sioux Falls, SD. In 1978 Arnie helped establish the Buffalo Ridge Christian Academy in Lake Benton, where he led Bible classes. He was made the Honorary Chaplain of the Henry Sollie Post in 1985, leading the invocation and benediction for Memorial Day services. In 1998 The Touch of the Master’s Hand radio program was launched through the efforts of Arnie’s brother Stanley, and it continues to this day with the support of Victory Christian Church and other faithful listeners.

Arnie and Kathy were active members of the Baptist Church in Lake Benton for over 20 years. They later became members of Victory Christian Church in Balaton, where they have remained for 28 years. Arnie’s last sermon was delivered to his favorite audience (his family), as he preached a powerful message at his brother Marvin’s funeral just one week ago. The love of the Lord, and seeing others come to know Jesus Christ, was Arnie’s passion.

Arnie passed away at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, on
September 2, 2015, at the age of 83 years, 4 months, and 10 days. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathy of Lake Benton; daughters Ranea (Jeff) Johnson of Lake Benton, Dyann (Pat) McCarthy of Lake Benton, and Lynda (Michael) Hulsebus of White, SD; grandchildren Shelby McCarthy, Bobby Jo Johnson, and Benjamin, Abigail, and Caleb Arnold; siblings Bonnie Guza of Ivanhoe, Carol (Jim) Sorensen of Lake Benton, Stanley (Sandy) Fredricks of Arvada, CO, Patricia Skyberg of Malcom, IA, and David (Roxy) Fredricks of Alexandria; sister-in-law Janet Anderson and brother-in-law Paul Anderson, both of Texas; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Marvin and Larry Fredricks, brothers-in-law Joe Guza and Don Skyberg; sister-in-law Karen Fredricks; and niece Georgia Hagedorn. We believe the Lord has said to Arnie, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” Matthew 25:21 KJV