A Century of Caring, Learning and Sharing
April 19, 2020
(Margit tells her life story on her website of www.margitfredrickson.com .)
Margit was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 27, 1918 to Swedish immigrants Henrik and Hildur Bengston. Growing up bilingual, her Swedish heritage was an integral part of her life.
Margit received degrees from North Park University and National College of Education. Before marrying fellow Swedish American Sigurd Fredrickson in 1942, she taught first and second grade in New Buffalo, Michigan and Mt. Prospect, Illinois. Many years later, she returned to teaching, tutoring students in reading for Title One for 13 years. Many of her students stayed in touch with her for years after they left her classroom.
In 1948, when Sig accepted a position in the music department at St. Olaf College, Sig and Margit moved to Northfield, Minnesota Here they raised their 4 children: Terry, Karl, Barbara, and Annette. As a devoted wife and mother, she fully supported their athletic and musical interests. In 1970, Sig and Margit opened their home to Utit Choomuang, a student of Terry's in the Peace Corps in southern Thailand. Utit graduated from St. Olaf and eventually became head of overseas animation for The Simpsons TV show.
Margit loved entertaining not only family, but also friends, neighbors, and students. She was the first to arrive at a sick friend's home with a casserole and never failed to send a note of encouragement.
She was active in the Northfield Methodist Church where Sig was organist for 22 years. She was also involved in AAUW and the Northfield Swedish group, which she helped form. She also supported a number of charitable causes especially those concerned with the welfare of children and the pursuit of peace.
As an avid proponent of lifelong learning, Margit took courses though the Northfield Elder Collegium and, together with Sig, attended a number of Elder hostels.
They enjoyed traveling overseas, both to Europe and to Southeast Asia. Margit often helped Sig shepherd groups of students on overseas study programs.
In retirement, Margit became a faithful steward of her father's writings, including his two books reflecting on the early labor movement. She made sure that these books were translated from the original Swedish into English so that they could be read by a wider audience.
Margit was a strong influence on the lives of her six grandchildren of whom she was extremely proud.
Margit was preceded in death by Sig, her husband of 63 years. She is survived by her four children: Terry (Daa), Karl (Renate), Barbara (Tom), and Annette (Brian); her six grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff of the Northfield Parkview Senior Residence. A celebration of life memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
Margit was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 27, 1918 to Swedish immigrants Henrik and Hildur Bengston. Growing up bilingual, her Swedish heritage was an integral part of her life.
Margit received degrees from North Park University and National College of Education. Before marrying fellow Swedish American Sigurd Fredrickson in 1942, she taught first and second grade in New Buffalo, Michigan and Mt. Prospect, Illinois. Many years later, she returned to teaching, tutoring students in reading for Title One for 13 years. Many of her students stayed in touch with her for years after they left her classroom.
In 1948, when Sig accepted a position in the music department at St. Olaf College, Sig and Margit moved to Northfield, Minnesota Here they raised their 4 children: Terry, Karl, Barbara, and Annette. As a devoted wife and mother, she fully supported their athletic and musical interests. In 1970, Sig and Margit opened their home to Utit Choomuang, a student of Terry's in the Peace Corps in southern Thailand. Utit graduated from St. Olaf and eventually became head of overseas animation for The Simpsons TV show.
Margit loved entertaining not only family, but also friends, neighbors, and students. She was the first to arrive at a sick friend's home with a casserole and never failed to send a note of encouragement.
She was active in the Northfield Methodist Church where Sig was organist for 22 years. She was also involved in AAUW and the Northfield Swedish group, which she helped form. She also supported a number of charitable causes especially those concerned with the welfare of children and the pursuit of peace.
As an avid proponent of lifelong learning, Margit took courses though the Northfield Elder Collegium and, together with Sig, attended a number of Elder hostels.
They enjoyed traveling overseas, both to Europe and to Southeast Asia. Margit often helped Sig shepherd groups of students on overseas study programs.
In retirement, Margit became a faithful steward of her father's writings, including his two books reflecting on the early labor movement. She made sure that these books were translated from the original Swedish into English so that they could be read by a wider audience.
Margit was a strong influence on the lives of her six grandchildren of whom she was extremely proud.
Margit was preceded in death by Sig, her husband of 63 years. She is survived by her four children: Terry (Daa), Karl (Renate), Barbara (Tom), and Annette (Brian); her six grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff of the Northfield Parkview Senior Residence. A celebration of life memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.