Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884

Iris Joan Frederiksen

Iris Joan (Dudrey) Frederiksen left this world holding her loving husband of 71 years' hand on August 6, 2023. She was born February 3, 1934 to Richard and Murel (Taylor) Dudrey in Alva, Wyoming.

Joan graduated high school from Sundance, Wyoming in May 1952, and married the love of her life, Karl Henrik Frederiksen on June 1, 1952. They were the first couple to be married at the First United Methodist Church in Sundance.

Mom always giggled telling the story dad sure thought he was marrying a rich girl, as mom had $37 and that is what bought their first groceries after marriage. They raised their children, Richard, Vernon, Kendall and Karla in Sundance, Montana, and finally settled in Casper January 1, 1968.

Over the years, Joan worked at K-Mart, Natrona County Sheriff Department and retired from Casper College as the Duplicating Center Supervisor after 29 years, earning an award for never calling in sick one day of her 29 years of employment. Joan had many dear friends that she worked with at Casper College.

Joan enjoyed playing Bingo and having lunch at the Senior Center on Thursdays. Karl would never go with her because he would say, "He wasn't old enough to go to a place like that." Mom was a volunteer pink lady at the hospital.

Before Joan's vision turned bad, she loved sewing, crocheting, putting puzzles together and made many scrapbooks that we will cherish forever. She crocheted hundreds of baby hats over the years.

Iris is survived by her husband, Karl of 71 years; son, Richard (Becky) of Casper, Wyoming; grandson, Shawn (Jackie), great-grandchildren, Isaac and Elyse, grandson, Justin (Lexi), great-grandchildren, Anden and Bennett, all of South Dakota; son, Vernon of Casper; granddaughter, Christine of Colorado; grandson, David of Alaska; granddaughter, Brittni (Ryan), great-granddaughter Kaia of California; grandson, Cory (Agiee) of Colorado; daughter, Karla Waters (Larry), grandson Eddy Lowndes III (Tami Vold Larsen), granddaughter Lindy Mundorf (Jeremy), great grandchildren Carly Jo, and Tanner all of Casper; and bonus son, Keith Boschee of Casper. She is also survived by her sister, Verna Cundy; brother-in-law, Don Gose; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Irma Hutchins; and son Kendall Dean.

You never heard mom complain about anything! She always made the best of every situation. We will miss her dearly and are so blessed to know she was welcomed into Heaven with Kendall's open arms.

We would like to thank the staff at Park Place Assisted Living for their love and companionship since mom and dad moved there in the Spring of 2021. You are much appreciated! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice Care.