Oliver "Dutch" Fredrich , 76, Elgin, ND,formerly of Minot, died Thursday, February 21, 2008, in a Bismarck hospital.

Dutch was born October 13, 1931, near Elgin, ND, the son of Reinholt and Rose (Dachtler) Fredrich. Dutch was raised and educated through the eighth grade, in Elgin, and was then employed at his father's blacksmith and welding shop. Dutch enlisted in the U.S. Army on September 27, 1949, where he served in the 466th Signal Aviation Heavy Construction Company attached to the 20th Air Force in Okinawa. He was honorably discharged on October 22, 1952 as a sergeant. Upon his discharge, he returned to North Dakota and received his GED. He was employed at Northwestern Bell from 1952 through 1953.

Dutch was united in marriage to Mary Jane Volk on November 12, 1953, in Little Flower Catholic Church, Minot. Dutch and Mary Jane made their home in Minot for nearly fifty years, where they raised their children and grandchildren. Mary Jane passed away in 2003.

Dutch served on the Minot Police Department from 1953 to 1974, where he attained the rank of sergeant and was on the bomb squad. Dutch then worked for the Minot Fire Department as a mechanic from 1974 until his retirement in 1998.

In 2003, Dutch moved back to his hometown of Elgin. He married Bernice Fischer on December 23, 2004, in Carson, ND. He and Bernice enjoyed gardening, dancing, taking rides on the Harley, and sharing a good laugh. Dutch always warmed the hearts of his family and many friends. He laughed and loved much.

Dutchattended Zion Lutheran Church, Elgin, and was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and was a life member of the N.D. Peace Officer's Association. Dutch enjoyed working with Volkswagen cars, collecting firearms, riding his Harley, and restoring antique machinery.

Surviving family includes: Wife: Bernice, Elgin; Children: Jackie (Bruce) Fox, Gretna, NE, Jerry (Dawn) Fredrich, Minot; Ron (Jackie) Fischer, Elgin, Rhonda Kufeldt, Elgin, Roxanne (Dave) Achtenberg, Bismarck, Romae (Steve) Achtenberg, Bismarck, Randy (Rita) Fischer, Elgin; Siblings: Larry (Jean) Fredrich, Des Lacs, Marlyn Ann (Don) Zimmerman, Garrison; Grandchildren: Amanda (Ian) Crawford, Nick, Doug; eleven step-grandchildren; four step- great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dutchwas preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Mary Jane.

Funeral service: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (MT) in Zion Lutheran Church, Elgin, ND
Interment: North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND
Visitation : Monday from Noon-7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot and Tuesday one hour prior the service in the church.
Memorials : Memorials are preferred to the Minot Fire Department.