Patricia Louise "Pat" (Gerlach) Fredricksen

July 10, 1932 - December 30, 2015

Patricia Louise "Pat" (Gerlach) Fredricksen Obituary Patricia passed away peacefully on December 30, 2015, surrounded by family. She was born July 10, 1932 in Boise, Idaho to William and Florence (Robinson) Gerlach. Pat moved to Spokane when she was 5 years old. At the age of 16, after her father passed away, Pat began a life dedicated to caring for her family when she enrolled in beauty school and became a beautician to help support herself and her mother. On October 15, 1951 she married Norman Fredricksen and became an Air Force wife. Over the next 17 years they had 4 daughters and lived in Florida, Utah, and Wyoming, with a few returns to Spokane in between, where Pat cared for the family on her own while Norm was stationed in Alaska and Libya. The family returned to Spokane in 1968, after Norm retired from the Air Force. When Norm unexpectedly passed away in 1984, Pat took over his paper delivery route for the Spokane Chronicle, and later the Spokesman-Review. She cared for her ailing mother for nearly ten years and then for her youngest daughter Lorri, who suffered from health complications due to diabetes, until she passed away in 2007. At the age of 75, Pat was enjoying her independence and her role as a young-at-heart mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Sadly, a major stroke took away her independence and her ability to carry on a conversation. Through all of the struggles she endured over the next eight years, she never complained. Although she could not always get her words out, she greeted us with a smile every morning. After a lifetime of caring for her family, we were honored to be able to take care of her. Pat will always be remembered for her devotion to her family, the way she laughed until her eyes watered when something really tickled her, the delicious treats she baked at Christmas (peppermint crunch, fudge, divinity, and caramels), and the beautiful flowers she grew in her yard. In death, Pat will be reunited with her parents, husband Norman, and daughter Lorri. Her spirit is carried on by her daughters ? Sharri (Bernie) Polikowsky, Suzann (Rick) Rothstein, and Kathleen (William) Pupo, and by her 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. Our thanks to Gentiva Hospice for all they did to help Pat during her last months. A private memorial service for the family was held January 8, 2016. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Patricia's name to the American Diabetes Association.