Kenton G. Fredrickson

Kenton G. Fredrickson, 84, passed away May 20th, 2017 in the Franklin County Medical Center in Preston, Idaho after a brief illness.  Kenton was born April 14, 1933 in Preston, Idaho to George Winfield Fredrickson and Ruby Bernella Simper Fredrickson.

Kenton grew up on the dry farm his grandfather Ferdinand Fredrickson homesteaded.  He lived his entire life on this dry farm located at the mouth of Black Canyon near Weston, Idaho.  His early years were spent working on the farm with his dad and grandpa Ferdinand, who he loved dearly.  He loved the great outdoors, hunting and riding his horses in the mountains surrounding his home. 

Kenton was drafted into the Armed Forces and served in the Korean conflict.  He was stationed in Okinawa where he was a heavy equipment operator. He was proud to serve his country and was honorably discharged and returned home to farm the land he loved.

He met a beautiful red-haired girl named Betty Kay Griffeth and knew she was the girl for him, so he married her on October 19th, 1956 in Preston, Idaho.  Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan Temple in 1958.  Kenton and Betty Kay made their home on Mile High Ranch where they farmed and raised three daughters and a son.  The family worked hard and played hard together camping in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter. 

Kenton was an exceptional dry farmer and truly loved the land he worked.  He served as president of the Idaho State Wheat Growers Association in 1971 and received the Distinguished Service Award of the Idaho State Wheat Growers Association in 1976.  He also received the Preston Area Chamber of Commerce Progressive Farmer Award in 1983.  He was a progressive farmer and was the first to grow safflower in this county in the 1950's.  He developed many friendships throughout his life and with all those he employed over the years. 

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many callings.  Just months before his passing he was released from the High Priest group leadership and grew to love that calling and those he served with.

Kenton is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Betty Kay; daughters Kaye (Jeff) Beckstead, Kathi (Scott Schvaneveldt, deceased) Snarr, Sallie (Billy) Dance.  Son Zayne (Terri) Fredrickson, a sister Betsey (Richard, deceased) Larson, 16 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Scott Schvaneveldt, and a brother-in-law Richard Larson.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 27th at 11:00 a.m. at the Weston 2nd Ward Chapel in Weston, ID with Bishop Steve Buttars conducting.  Friends may call at the Webb Mortuary in Preston, Idaho on Friday, May 26th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and at the Weston Church on Saturday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.  Military rites and Interment will be in the Weston Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com     

The family would like to thank Dr. David Beckstead and the wonderful nurses and medical staff at the Franklin County Medical Center who lovingly cared for Kenton during his days  there.