Elmo Joseph Fredericks, Sr., was born on July 15, 1939, in Elbowoods, North Dakota. He was one of nine children born to Charlie Fredericks and Emma (Snow) Fredericks and a child of the Low Cap Clan.

Elmo grew up on his family’s ranch (beside current day Lake Sakakawea), where his love for the land and the outdoors began. As a boy, he spent his days riding horses, fixing fence, and working cattle alongside his father. It was a way of life that shaped his character—quiet strength, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility. He was, at his core, a cowboy—hardworking and steady, with a deep respect for the land and the animals in his care.

But Elmo’s dreams didn’t stop on the ground. From a young age, he was drawn to the skies. He often flew with his older brother Luke, and that early fascination turned into a lifelong passion for airplanes. Later in life, he bought a plane of his own and started logging hours towards his private pilots’ license.

In 1958, Elmo married his lifelong partner, Mary Delores (Baker) Fredericks. Together they raised seven children and built a life rooted in love, faith, and hard work. The land he had grown up on became their home, and side by side, Elmo and Delores created a place of warmth and family. Life on the ranch wasn’t always easy. There were lean times—times when Elmo had to chop wood to sell or work on neighboring ranches just to make ends meet. But through it all, he never gave up. Slowly but surely, he built his herd from just ten head of cattle to more than two hundred.

Elmo was always looking for ways to support his family and make the most of the land he loved. He began renting lots along the lake, which many now know as Elmer’s Point, to families looking for a place to build their summer cabins. And when the oil boom came to western North Dakota, Elmo saw yet another opportunity—supplying fresh water to oil companies operating near his ranch. His ability to see potential and act on it was just one of the many ways he provided for those he loved.

But more than his accomplishments, Elmo will be remembered for who he was. A man who was always ready to help, never one to seek the spotlight. Offering a steady hand and an open heart to anyone in need, he was never one to say “no”. To many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, he was more than just an uncle or grandfather—he was a mentor, a role model, a father.

Elmo leaves behind a legacy of strength, humility, and unwavering love. His life was one of sincerity—a life lived close to the earth and close to the hearts of those who knew him. He taught us, not through words, but through example. And though he may be gone from this world, his spirit remains with us—in the lessons he taught, the love he gave, and the life he built.

Elmo is survived by his daughters: Bonnie Fredericks, Joan Fredericks, Sharon Fredericks and Kathleen Fredericks; sisters, Mary Jane (Fredericks) Yeahquo, Carol Ann (Fredericks) Newman; grandchildren, Michael Fredericks, Andrea Fredericks, Darcie Fredericks Jr., Ricky Anderson; greatgrandchildren, Aniya Fredericks, Ava Fredericks, and Eve Fredericks.

Elmo was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Delores Baker Fredericks; his sons, Cletus Fredericks, Elmo Fredericks Jr., and Darcie Fredericks Sr; his parents, Emma (Snow) Fredericks and Charlie Fredericks; his brothers, Emery Fredericks, Luke Fredericks, James Fredericks, Patrick Fredericks; his sisters, Margie (Fredericks) Hunts Along, and Adele (Fredericks) Phelan.