Profile photo of Fred James Wilson Jr. 

Fred James Wilson Jr. 

Federal Way, WA.  
Fred James Wilson Jr. 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice! Phil. 4:4

Obituary

Fred James Wilson, a beloved husband, father, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on August 3, 1937, Fred was a man of faith, love and service whose presence brought joy and warmth to everyone he met.

Fred's life was a testament to the virtues of hard work and integrity. He was born on a farm in Wessington Springs, South Dakota to Fred Wilson Sr. and Lillian Fagerhaug Wilson. He was the second born of 6 boys- Chuck (deceased), Fred (deceased), Ron (deceased), Loren, Bill (deceased) and Dan. 

Married to his beloved wife, Gloria, he was the proud father of five children- Lynn, Shawn, Kim, Sharon and Aletta; and seven grandchildren- Jakob, Jalen, Corbin, Brielle, Mikaela, Lily and Jesse, each of whom he cherished deeply. 

Fred deeply loved the Lord and the church. Every morning he happily dedicated time to read the Bible and to spend time in prayer. This fueled him to live a life marked by joy, praise, and gratitude. His living of giving Christ the first place in all things was a pattern to all.

Fred had an adventurous spirit, often embarking on road trips and travels that allowed him to explore new horizons. His curiosity extended to new technologies, and he embraced innovations with enthusiasm and a sense of wonder.

A hospitable soul, Fred loved having people over for a meal, fellowship and prayer. Many can attest to being regaled by Fred’s many adventurous stories told with a twinkle in his eyes and enjoying a bowl of his famous chili.

His career in vocational rehabilitation showcased his natural problem-solving abilities and his commitment to helping others. Known for his skill in fixing anything broken, Fred was a practical man whose talents extended to his woodworking hobby and his enjoyment of billiards and Sudoko.

Fred's appreciation for history and his love of shepherding others defined his interactions and relationships. Always ready with a wise word or a helping hand, he approached life with an indomitable spirit that continuously lifted others and shepherded them toward Christ.

Even at the very end, when his body was declining, he maintained his joy, thankfulness and appreciation towards his care givers and praised the Lord.

As we remember Fred, we cherish the lessons he taught us about finding joy in remaining under the Lord’s care no matter what the outward situation. He lived his life according to the words written by the Apostle Paul in 1Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Always rejoice, unceasingly pray, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”.

Salvation

As told by Fred: As a young person of 5 or 6, we brothers would talk about God and about death and we were very frightened and unsure of our status. My Mother would read Bible stories to us in the evenings during the winter months and she would encourage us to give our hearts to the Lord, but there was a reservation in me at that time. When I started Sunday School my best teacher, Carl Bergeleen, caused me to think and wonder about God. I went to confirmation at age 12 and was confirmed in the faith by publicly declaring my faith. This was mostly a ritual, but in the process I did become quite emotional and was not sure what was happening to me. My aunt Connie and uncle Homer gave me a New Testament as my confirmation gift. Fred started reading his Bible that summer while out herding cows. 

Timeline

1937
August 3rd
August 3, 1937
Fred James Wilson, Jr born to Fred James Wilson, Sr and Lillian A Wilson in Wessington Springs, SD. Fred was number two in the lineup of six boys in the family and grew up in a small farmhouse in Jerauld County, South Dakota.
1942
1942 - 1951 Primary School
Fred attended a one room schoolhouse, Fagerhaug School, for his primary school years. He walked to school with his brothers and his cousin Irwin. According to Fred, " In third grade, Howard Reese, Marnell Timpson and I went to check the traps on Moen place. Martha Frick, my teacher, sent us home partly because we smelled (like skunk), partly because we were late, and partly because we did not have permission. I was embarrassed to walk home mid-day. Clifford and Melvin Bergeleen picked me up. They found my situation funny and hawed all the way home. My parents didn’t show displeasure, just asked me not to do it again. They later told me they had a hard time not laughing."
South Dakota near Wessington Springs
1951
1951 - 1955:  High School 
Attended Wessington Springs High School and was one of twenty-eight graduates. He stayed at a boarding house during the school year while attending high school. During the summer he worked with his dad and brothers on the farm. Per Fred, "After I graduated from High School, I worked for Uncle Ike that summer. When I was home for the weekend, Dad asked me what I planned to do. I said I probably would work for Ike to save up on some money. Dad said, "No, you need to go to school; to remain farming requires considerable cash outlay and land is too expensive to buy and then make a living."
Wessington Springs, SD
1956
1956-1958 Augustana College  
Fred attended two years at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Per Fred, "That was something altogether new, living in the city. I lived in the dorm with my bother." Fred took a drafting course which later enabled him to work as a drafter at Boeing. To have some spending money, Fred did lawn work and some cleanup work at a small gift shop. During the summer, he went to Plentywood, Montana area to work on crew building 10-30 grain bins per site across western North Dakota and eastern/central Montana. Next, he worked at ranching just northwest of Scobey, MT for a while, then headed back to school. During the school year he worked at the Sioux Power and Light after hours as a switch board operator. 
Sioux Falls, SD
1958
1958 – 1961 Travel/Explore/Hitch-Hiked to Seattle, WA
 After two years of college, Fred had a debt of $800 that weighed heavily on him. He hitch-hiked to the Great Lakes to see if he could get on with the ore boats but could not get on since he didn’t know a skipper. He met Herman Husen and decided to stick together for mutual protection. They hitchhiked with a guy in a 1957 Chevrolet that was headed for Vancouver, BC. The guy said “You don’t want to go to Montana, there is all kinds of work on the West Coast and if you go to Seattle, you would be working right away.” They took the ride to Seattle, and showed up on the doorstep of his Aunt Lena’s and she took them in. Fred found a job at Boeing and cycled through various positions: Airplane mechanic, Parts Accountability Clerk, Parts Investigator, and later as a Drafter.  
Great Lakes to Seattle, WA.
1962
1962 Married Gloria & Birth of Lynn  
Fred met Gloria while working at Boeing, shooting rubber bands at her as she made copies. Fred married Gloria Hetland on April 29, 1962. Their daughter Lynn Dee Wilson was born later in the year at Renton Hospital. Lynn was unable to swallow so Fred took Lynn (2 days old) via taxi to the University of Washington Hospital; from a viewing window he watched her surgery for Tracheal Esophageal Repair. Lynn went home with Fred and Gloria six weeks later. 
Seattle, WA)
1963
1963 – 1965 University of Washington
Fred was bored working at Boeing. In the fall of 1963, he went back to school at the University of Washington and graduated in 1965 with a degree in Sociology. Fred took a job with the State of Washington in Social and Human Services Department. He first worked in Welfare administrating grants for applicants and then worked in Child Welfare.   
Seattle, WA
1965
1965 – 1967 Birth of Shawn, Ephrata, WA
In 1965 the job took Fred and family to Ephrata, WA. His son Shawn Tracy Wilson was born on May 16, 1966.  
Ephrata, WA
1968
1968– 1971 Birth of Kimberly, Moses Lake, WA
Fred and family moved to Moses Lake, WA. where he attended the Church in Moses Lake. His brother Loren and family as well as his sister in-law Connie Hetland also moved to Moses Lake. Fred continued working for Washington State in Child Welfare. His daughter Kimberly Ann Wilson was born on June 24, 1969.
Spokane WA
1971
1971 – 1973 Birth of Sharon Ruth Wilson, Spokane WA
Fred and family moved to Spokane in 1971. Fred’s daughter Sharon Ruth Wilson was born Oct 16, 1971. Fred and Gloria purchased a home on Corbin Park. He attended the Church in Spokane, and his home was always open to his church family and neighborhood friends. On Sundays, Fred usually brought someone home from church to join his family for Gloria’s delicious lunches.  
Spokane, WA
1974
1974 – 1975 Transfer to VOC REHAB, Spokane WA
Fred transferred to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in 1974. Fred loved identifying problems and finding solutions. He helped many people identify their strengths. Then he guided them to gain the training needed to be gainfully employed after a disabling event. 
Spokane, WA
1975
1975 – 1979 Birth of Aletta Marie Wilson, Spokane WA
Fred’s fifth child, Aletta Marie Wilson was born June 4, 1975.

Fred’s parents, Fred James Wilson Sr & Lillian Wilson and youngest brother Danny Wilson lived with him during the winter months. They would return to South Dakota to farm during the Spring/Summer.

Fred and Gloria opened their home to house many of the young brothers in the Church in Spokane. They enjoyed meals and fellowship with the family.

Spokane, WA
1980
1980 – 1984 Fred Sr. Passed
Fred James Wilson Sr, who lived with Fred Jr and Gloria, passed in 1980 after the explosion of Mt St Hellans. All six brothers were present for Fred Sr’s celebration of life as well as many from the Church in Spokane. Lillian moved into an apartment in Spokane next to her friend Harriet Jorgenson. Fred would pick up Lillian and Harriett to take them to church services and for Sunday dinners. Fred would frequently jog around the park with Lynn and have discussions about work and life; he played volleyball, or games in Corbin Park with the kids.   
Spokane, WA
1985
1985 - 1995 Raised Family:  Kids graduated from High School and University
  Fred and Gloria raised their children and participated in the church life. Fred assisted his children to know the Lord, and to learn to make good choices. He would have them map out pros/cons of a decision and encourage them to decide based on the facts. All five children graduated from High School with the intent to go to college. His children worked hard, held jobs, applied for scholarships to finance their University Degrees (ESU, UW and WSU). 
Spokane, WA
1993
1993 Fred Retired  
Fred, 56 years old, retired from Vocational Rehabilitation in 1993.  
Spokane, WA
1996
1996 - 2021 Moved to Pullman, WA
Fred, Gloria and Sharon moved to Pullman WA in 1996 (where Aletta was already attending WSU). Here he lived and served the Church in Pullman and supported the campus work. Fred and Gloria opened their home to the saint’s college students while they attended WSU. Fred attended the Church Full Time Training in Taipe. Fred participated in taking the young college students on many young people trips: Poland x 3, Washington DC x2, etc. In 2004, Fred and Gloria toured New Zealand. All five of Fred’s children graduated with a degree from a university.
Pullman, WA
2021
2021 - 2025 Federal Way, WA
Fred and Gloria moved to Federal Way, WA in 2021 and made their home with Sharon and David Mooney. His last few years he would play Billiards 3-5 days a week, follow the latest technology, and play Sudoku. During the summer he volunteered with the Renton brothers to hand out Bibles For America at the farmers market. 
Federal Way, WA
2025
June 15th
2025 June 15 Fred’s Passing Federal Way, WA
Fred was diagnosed with bladder cancer and had a stroke in Feb 2025. He spent three months at Garden Terrace being cared for by their wonderful staff. Dad considered them his family and greeted them with a “Praise the Lord”, “Rejoice in the Lord Always”, or sang with them. He appreciated greatly all the visits from the church members, and family. Even while his body was decaying, he still was a lampstand for the Lord, praying for his family, the members of the church, and even his care givers. While his mind was not always clear, his spirit was shining brightly and full of clarity. Even when he had trouble articulating everyday conversations, he was always able to pray or sing. Fred has truly finished his course and was at full peace when he passed.
Federal Way, WA

Gallery


Videos

Memory wall

Please add you memories of Fred here. Photos are also welcome. Your input is greatly appreciated!


August 8, 2025
My main memory of Fred is his ever-present gentle smile and warm loving presence and fellowship with the saints. He was truly a pattern of loving father and nursing mother who poured out his soul life for the sake of the saints!
John Brooks
August 2, 2025
Maybe only about two years ago, Brother Fred returned to Pullman for a visit. I was preparing for a college meeting at my house when... there he was! He stopped by for a brief visit. He could only stay for a few minutes, but those few minutes were precious and encouraging. Without even needing to say a word, he just expressed the Lord. How is it that somebody can be such an expression without words? He was saturated with His life from so many years of beholding this One. Praise the Lord! I am looking forward to seeing Brother Fred again.
Jenny
August 2, 2025
My experience with Fred began when we moved to Pullman in the winter of 2008. I have many, many fond memories of being with Fred and Gloria in our time there together. Meals around their beautiful dining room table; filled with laughter and love, tender times of patient listening and genuine fellowship as I sought to make sense of this, that, or the other, or just talked about plants... Countless cups of coffee in their kitchen (Aeropress, all the way!) while we served together, and the boxes of books Gloria would bring to keep Rivers occupied while Fred trained me to at least appreciate (if not love!) Excel spreadsheets. One of my fondest memories of Fred was when my car broke down the day before we were set to leave for London for the 2012 Bible distribution. I had to call Fred to come pick us up for the meeting and on the way began telling him all of the things that were going wrong and how worried I was because we were leaving, etc. etc. I burst into tears as we pulled up to a stoplight and Fred turned and looked at me, so steady and sure. and said "isn't it marvelous to be in the Lord's hand, Tina?" :) It is moments like that which shape our progressive vision of God's Economy and help us to see the sovereignty of our dear Lord, in every detail of our lives. His care for us, behind the scenes, is always working out His best for our full salvation. Brother Fred knew this and spoke from much experience of knowing the Lord in an intimate way. Fred's pattern to us all was to seek to know the Lord in our spirit, more and more, day by day, by opening to Him in a genuine way. We love you dear Fred and Gloria! We are forever grateful for our time with you all in Pullman and trust that the Lord has gained something of eternal value among us, one sweet visitation at a time.
Tina Barton
August 2, 2025
It was a privilege to have shared small moments with Fred over the years, but especially towards the end. He was kind and generous, and he always took the opportunity to give a big smile to others. Even as he lay in bed in the midst of his discomfort and frustration, he would find God and smile. It was clear he built a habit of spending time with his Lord in every situation. He was one who enjoyed Christ to the very end. I praise God that Fred was one with such a wonderful testimony.
Elisa Cano
August 2, 2025
Joanna and I have fond memories of visiting Fred and Gloria in their home doing his last years.
We were shepherded by Fred’s care for us as we fellowshipped and prayed. Not only was Fred
an attentive listener but he would share from his rich experiences of Christ for encouragement.
After Fred’s stroke we went to visit him in the hospital. Even though he was in pain and
uncomfortable, he greeted us with a warm big smile! Near the end of our visit we sang the hymn 312, “Grace! Tis a Charming Sound” Fred sang in a strong voice and he knew all the
words! Whenever we sang the chorus, “All sufficient grace! Never powerless! It is Christ who lives in
me, In His exhaustlessness” Fred continued smiling and singing with all his heart. Fred was a pattern of someone who loved
the Lord, loved his family and loved the Body of Christ. He will be missed.
Glenn Frey
August 1, 2025
Our son was a student at WSU when Fred and Gloria were living in Pullman. They took such good care of our Son and we will be eternally grateful. Fred's warmth, hospitality, and love for the Lord was contagious, He was such a pattern of a brother who loved the Lord, his fellow man, the believers, and the church. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Bob & Toni LeMond
August 1, 2025
After going through the whole website and each one's entry, I was filled with happy memories of Fred and the whole Wilson family. I was one of the single brothers who lived with the Wilsons in the very early days of Spokane. I moved in with the Wilsons in 1972 from Fairchild AFB.
As a moody young brother, I remember Fred's and Gloria's--one cannot talk about the care of one without the other--rich experience of human life being such an anchor to the soul for all of us. I remember one time when I moved back to the base because of being offended, Fred met me, and after just a few minutes of his sensible advice with such a steady, calming voice, I realized how unreasonable I was being. I thought to myself, "Wow! Fred is SO wise!" I never forgot that.
In 1974 I got married. Fred & Gloria suggested that we take the whole bottom floor of their home while they moved upstairs and used the smaller kitchen for their big family. We couldn't believe it, and were so touched by it. Again their wisdom, love and care brought us through many an argument in those first 6 months of marriage before we rented out own place.
Many years later as we lived in Europe, I would meet Fred in different conferences and trainings, enjoying the rich supply that he just spontaneously brought to every conversation. I remember telling him that without the care I received in those early years in the Wilson home, I never would have made it. Thank you all. I'm eternally grateful.
Rick Anderson
July 28, 2025
I have never known a brother that had more of a positive effect on me over the last 50+ years of being a Christian than sweet brother Fred. Always a calm, helpful, giving and selfless brother that was always thinking of others. We all loved him here in Pullman and were sad (for Pullman) when he, understandably, moved to Tacoma to be with his family. He stayed in Pullman about 20 years after his kids moved away, shepherding the saints and showing his care for the saints here. We very much appreciated that.
Fred gave me what was probably the most helpful advice I have ever been given in my Christian life. I was asking him how can you give to the Lord when your expenses are higher than your income every month. His response was " If someone is having finacial difficulties, that means they aren't giving enough to the Lord. His math is not our math, and it is impossible to out-give the Lord. He takes care of us if we take care of Him". We have been doing fine ever since he gave me that advice. Clearly Fred was a living example of that principle. And - he is forever Continuing to give. Literally. On his modest income, and retiring early to move here and help the church in Pullman, somehow he managed to not only meet his family needs, but also to help the Church in Pullman forever by donating rental property to the church that helps us meet our monthly needs here. He was right. You can never outgive the Lord. Thank you Fred. What an amazing brother he was. He will be missed.
Jim Hyland
July 27, 2025

I remember meeting Fred and Gloria for the first time in the mid-2000's in the meeting hall of the church in Seattle, when Sharon introduced my wife and me to them. But after they moved to Federal Way, I enjoyed getting to know Brother Fred more, especially during some long drives together to fellowship with other brothers in the Northwest. I happily took in all kinds of stories from his life and testimony. Not that we were extremely close, but I still felt like what 1 Thessalonians 2:11 expresses:
"Just as you know how we were to each one of you, as a father to his own children, exhorting you and consoling you and testifying." For example, I was struck by his testimony of a real encounter with the Lord in His Word, during the summer when he was 12 (I think), when his father sent him to drive out in the pickup and be with the cattle in their South Dakota fields--he just had a Bible, and he sat in that truck and began to read and love the Word of God that summer.

It seemed wherever I went, there were other brothers who had been shepherded by him in Christ over the years, in various places he had been, whether Moses Lake or Spokane or Pullman... even when I met a brother in Poland who was from South Korea and was greatly cared for, with his wife, by Fred and Gloria in Pullman. Brother Fred was a pattern of ministering Christ in humanity.

He spoke of his amazing shake recipe and his plans to get a self-driving Tesla, but the fragrance of it was a burnt offering, absolute for the Lord, wanting to be healthy on the earth more years and to be able to drive to more meetings. He shared about enjoying playing billiards near his home in Federal Way, but the real impression was his love and burden for a friend of his to hear the gospel as they played. And of course, he often mentioned little things about his dear wife, children, and grandchildren, always in love and yet, in his real human love for family something more enduring and deep and divine.

And at the end of our long drive, at least once, he apologized for talking my ear off, while I simply felt cherished and nourished and thankful.
Mark Staley
July 22, 2025
I am one of a good number from Pullman, who have both warm and pleasant memories of and with brother Fred. Of those memories, there are three things that stand out in particular to me: an open home, a Shepard of the flock, and a pillar in our locality. Whenever you met brother Fred, there was always a warm smile and a loving heart. Fred was a dear brother, that truly walked in brotherly love.
Jack
Jack
July 20, 2025
My family knew Fred in Spokane and I'm so very thankful for his care for all of us--my parents, my two brothers, and myself--over the years. I'm also grateful for his care for my daughter when she lived in Pullman.

Karen (Kalles) Simon
Karen Simon
July 14, 2025
Our dear brother Fred met with the church in Renton since moving to Federal Way and 2021. My understanding was that he had served the Lord as an elder in the church in Pullman for over 20 years. Because of his years of experience I had approached him one day asking if he had any advice or critique of the church in Renton whether it be positive or negative. My thought was that someone who has served in this capacity for so long would surely have some proposed adjustments but he did not. He simply said that he loved the brothers. That statement, along with his living, was a training to me since he was one who passed out of death into life because he loved the brothers.
Isaac

Family tree

Charles Phillip Wilson
Anna Christina Sick Wilson  
Iver
Fagerhaug  
Ida Johnson Fagerhaug  
Fred James Wilson Sr
Lillian Fagurhaug Wilson
Gloria Hetland Wilson
Charles (deceased) & Naomi Wilson plus 4 children and 7 grandchildren
Loren & Betty Wilson: 4 children and 5 grandchildren
Lynn Bauer
Children
Jakob Bauer 
Jalen Bauer 
Shawn & Heather Wilson
Children
Corbin Wilson
Brielle Wilson
Kim & Paul Wierenga
Children
Mikaela Wierenga
Sharon & David Mooney
Children
Lily Mooney
Jesse Mooney
Aletta & James Patrin
Ron (deceased) & Ilene (deceased) Wilson:   7 daughters, 17 grandchildren and 17  great grandchildren
Bill (deceased) and  Karen Wilson:  3 children and 9 grandchildren
Dan and Sylvia Wilson: 3 children and  9 grandchildren 
Charles (deceased) & Naomi Wilson plus 4 children and 7 grandchildren
Loren & Betty Wilson: 4 children and 5 grandchildren
Ron (deceased) & Ilene (deceased) Wilson:   7 daughters, 17 grandchildren and 17  great grandchildren
Bill (deceased) and  Karen Wilson:  3 children and 9 grandchildren
Dan and Sylvia Wilson: 3 children and  9 grandchildren 
Gloria Hetland Wilson
Lynn Bauer
Jakob Bauer 
Jalen Bauer 
Shawn & Heather Wilson
Corbin Wilson
Brielle Wilson
Kim & Paul Wierenga
Mikaela Wierenga
Sharon & David Mooney
Lily Mooney
Jesse Mooney
Aletta & James Patrin
Fred Wilson Jr. 

Favorites


Fred's favorite travel destination was to join his brothers on a roadtrip back to the South Dakota homestead to visit the farm, family and friends. 

Service


You are invited to join us for the celebration of the life of Fred James Wilson Jr. 
Location
Twin Lakes Golf Course Banquet Room
3583 SW 320th St, Federal Way, WA 98023-2401
Date/time
August 2 @10:00 am
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Donate

In honor of Fred, we invite you to contribute to a cause that was near and dear to his heart. Fred loved reading the Word of God. In his last year of his life, Fred enjoyed going to the Renton Farmers Market to give away free Bibles.
https://contributions.biblesforamerica.org/support-bfa

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