Donald Melvin Frederiksen, 86, of Grand Island died Wednesday, November 16, 2016, in Grand Island with his family by his side. Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Chapel. The Reverend Del Roper will officiate. Private family burial will be at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Grand Island Humane Society.

Donald was born on April 24, 1930, in rural Palmer to Guy and Mabel (Heinemenn) Frederiksen. He grew up in various states including: Nebraska, California, and Minnesota. He attended Giltner schools in Nebraska.

On July 26, 1951, he was united in marriage to Phyllis Dubbs in Dubuque, Iowa. After which the couple lived at Camp McCoy, WI, and then farmed several years near Shelton before making their home in Grand Island.Donald entered the United States Army in 1948, and served during the Korean War in the medical company 19th infantry regiment on the front lines. He was honorably discharged on April 23, 1952. He was a member of the VFW. Donald enjoyed Nebraska football, racing motorcycles, and doing home improvement projects.

Donald is survived by his wife: Phyllis; children: Kathy (Harlon)Hasselmann, Dee (Robert) Yeager, Sherri (Dennis) Mudloff all of Grand Island, Joan (Jerry) Redding of Alda, NE; 12 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; sister-in-law: June Frederiksen;  many nieces and nephews; and Everett Fox of TX.

He was preceded in death by parents; step-mother: Clara Frederiksen; son: Steven Frederiksen; brothers: Gerald Frederiksen and infant Merle.