Wayne Fredeen

Oct 8, 1937 -

Mar 20, 2023

Longtime Eagle River, Alaska, resident Wayne Fredeen, 85, died on March 20, 2023, at Providence Alaska Medical Center surrounded by his three children after a 15-month battle with cancer.

Wayne was born to Agnes and Lawrence "Butchy" Fredeen in Seattle and raised in Preston, Wash., a small logging town with a two-room grade school, with his three siblings. Wayne spent much of his spare time helping out at his father's grocery store. He graduated from Issaquah High School in 1955, and Washington State University in 1960, where he played the saxophone in the marching band and graduated with a BS in civil engineering. In 1963, Wayne took a six-month, 34-country trip around the world with his brother Mel.

In 1965, Wayne married the love of his life, Audrey Jensen of Lacey, Wash. Wayne worked as a civil engineer for the Washington State Highway Department and then in insurance and estate planning. He and Audrey moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1975, during the construction of the trans-Alaska pipeline. They then relocated to Eagle River in 1977, and Wayne continued to work for Alyeska Pipeline for 20 years as a senior contracts engineer.

Wayne and Audrey enjoyed 55 years together, traveling both internationally and domestically. They visited 48 states in their beloved RV, loved to fish and spend time at their Kenai River cabin, and enjoyed activities with family and friends. Wayne's love and skill of photography began quite young. He won a national contest from Boys Life Magazine and his photos were used by many organizations and publications throughout his life. He also enjoyed Swedish holiday foods, playing the accordion and spoiling his six grandchildren. He will be remembered for his sociable personality and sense of humor. Wayne was an active member of Joy Lutheran Church in Eagle River for over 40 years, a member of the Jaycees in his early years and, as a Rotarian, he helped lead the Alaska Youth Exchange Program.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes and Lawrence "Butchy" Fredeen; brother, Mel Fredeen; daughter-in-law, Amy Fredeen; and wife of 55 years, Audrey Fredeen. He is survived by his daughter, Theresa Overton and husband Simon of Pleasanton, Calif.; son, Erik Fredeen and wife Kerrie of Eagle River; son, Craig Fredeen of Anchorage, Alaska; and grandchildren, Christopher, Emma and Sarah Overton, Ki and Conner Fredeen and Levon Fredeen. Wayne's surviving siblings include Bruce Fredeen of Bellevue, Wash., and Gary Fredeen of Bellevue.

A memorial service will be held on April 23, 2023, at Joy Lutheran Church in Eagle River, at 2:30 p.m. A graveside service will be held in Preston, in summer 2023, where Wayne will be laid to rest next to Audrey.