Rev. Charles E. Frederick

Rev. Charles (Chuck) Eugene Frederick, 95, a prominent area minister, stepped into the presence of his beloved Savior Saturday evening, December 15, 2007.Charles was born December 13, 1912 in Mason City, Iowa to Lillian (Harris) and Raymond Frederick. His family homesteaded in Kennebec, SD for several years before moving to Rapid City in 1927. He helped his grandfather move President Coolidge into the summer White House at Custer State Park. He was active in many sports and a Golden Gloves Champion. Charles worked as a ranch hand/cowboy in the Badlands and Nebraska until he entered Southwestern Bible College in Enid, Oklahoma. After graduating in 1937, he was ordained with the Assemblies of God in 1943 and ministered 70 years. He held evangelistic meetings all across the United States and pastored churches in Wall, Lead, Deadwood, Spearfish, Rapid City and Piedmont. He was a leader in the Charismatic movement; an Advisor to Women’s Aglow and received a Papal Blessing from Pope John Paul II. His ministry included radio broadcasts from 1940’s –1980’s. He served the S.D. A/G District as a Presbyter and Secretary and was a Chaplain for the Rushmore Civil Air Patrol Squadrons of Cadets and Seniors. Both the Mayor and Governor proclaimed days in his honor. In April 1943, Charles married Pauline Almeda Kruse, and they enjoyed over 50 years of marriage and ministry together. A daughter, Jacqueline, was born in 1947.A fourth generation carpenter/cabinet maker, and a member of the Local Carpenter’s Union for over 45 years, Charles supplemented his income as a Carpentry Shop Director at the Black Hills Workshop and School, helping to design their facility. He was a Millwright constructing area Titan Missiles. He worked as a buffalo wrangler/set carpenter for MGM on “How The West Was Won”. He was a Carpentry Instructor for the Box Elder Job Corps, Nemo, for 12 years, constructing many area landmarks such as the Chapel in the Hills, the Pactola Visitors Center, etc. He received his private pilot’s license in 1956.He taught reading in the Black Hills Literacy Program and was active in the Ambassador’s For Friendship Foreign Exchange Program. He was also a talented artist, musician and writer.He is survived by a daughter: Jacqueline & Douglas Matthews, five grand-children: Jerry and Jessica Chrisman of Northfield, MN, Elizabeth and David Rodarte, Joanna and Michael Franke, Michele and Delaine Lutz, and Anne Chrisman all of Rapid City, nine great grandchildren and many other numerous friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pauline, his parents, two sisters Pat McGonagill and Ada Burdine, and great grandson Hunter Franke. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and a faithful, dedicated servant of Christ.