Reed Fredenburg,76, passed away on January first after a brief struggle with cancer. Reed was born in Edgeley on December 16th, 1948 to Floyd and LaVerne (Ogren) Fredenburg. He graduated from Edgeley High School in 1967, where he still holds the longest shotput record for an Edgeley Ranger.  Reed graduated from Valley City State College with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. While teaching in Palermo, ND, Reed met and later married Holly Johnson of Palermo. The couple moved to Edgeley, ND where Reed joined his father as a Farmer’s Union agent. Their son, Cole was born on Reed’s birthday, December 16th, 1975. Tragically, Holly and Cole were killed in a car accident on June 18th,1979.

     Reed met Cheryl Sorensen Eliassen on New Year’s Day when he stopped to help her with a flat tire in Minot ND.   Cheryl and Reed were married on July 30,1983. Knowing that Cheryl was a package deal, Reed traded his fancy Riviera for a family van and an everlasting bond was created with Reed, Cheryl and her three children.

Reed served in the National Guard and was an American Legion Post 146 member for 32 years.  He served as the treasurer to the Post for more than 20 years.

Reed drove bus for The Neis Bus Service for the Edgeley Public School System for more than 40 years.  He was the longest driver for the Neis Bus Service.  A favorite part of Cheryl and Reed’s day was when he came in from the afternoon route and shared delightful stories about the kids on the bus. Reed cared deeply for the young riders in his charge.

     Reed is survived by his wife, Cheryl, three step children, Lori (David) Geltel, Jan Eliassen (Tanya Hoss) and Todd Eliassen. He is survived by four grandchildren, Sarah (Jesse) Opsal, Jacob (Kelsey) Geltel , Madelyn and Noah Hoss and five great grandchildren, Keyton, Halee, Owen Reed, Avery and Iver. Reed is survived by two brothers, Bruce (Jo Ann), Miles (Jean) and three nephews, Jared (Stacie), Jason (Kristi), Justin (Kristi), and one niece, Jenna (Beau) Bredahl. Reed is survived by many other relatives and friends who loved him dearly.

     Reed is preceded in death by his first wife, Holly, and his son, Cole; his mother and father Floyd and LaVerne Fredenburg, his grandparents, Hugo and Katharine Ogren, and Walter and Ethel Fredenburg

     A celebration of Reed’s life will be held on Monday, January 13th at 11:00 at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Edgeley, ND. An Inurnment will take place at a later date.

     Memorials may be given to the Edgeley Ambulance fund, The Wesley United Methodist Church or to The Edgeley School hot lunch program.

     Williams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.