Former State Rep., Senator Edgar Fredricks dies at 73

Former State Rep. and State Senator Edgar J. Fredricks, 73 of Byron Center, died Thursday, March 31.

Ed graduated from Holland Christian High School, Calvin College and earned master’s degrees in history and sociology from Western Michigan University. He served as the American Vice Consul to the American Embassy in Seoul, South Korea. He was elected a member of the Michigan House in 1974 from what is now essentially the 80th District in Allegan County. He was first elected to the Michigan Senate in 1978, succeeding the retiring Gary Byker. He dropped out of elected political life in 1990 after losing to incumbent Congressman Fred Upton.

He is survived by his siblings: James (Faye) Fredricks of Wyoming, Kathy (Philip) Kornoelje of Grand Rapids, Helen Fredricks of Grand Rapids and Ruth (David A.) Larkin of Florida; brother-in-law Gary Jaarda of Florida; 14 nieces and nephews and 18 great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Russel and Audrey Fredricks and his sister Lois Jaarda. Visitation will be Monday, April 11, 2016 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 East 16th Street, Holland. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 12 at the funeral home.