
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
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.
Gallery





















































































































































Videos
Memory wall
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jack
Karen (Kalles) Simon
Family tree



Fagerhaug








































Favorites
Service
3583 SW 320th St, Federal Way, WA 98023-2401
Donate
https://contributions.biblesforamerica.org/support-bfa