Wilford Fredlund, of Dawson, died Sunday, August 28, 2011, at the Johnson Memorial Hospital in Dawson, at the age of 85. Funeral service Friday, September 2, 2011, at 11:00 AM, at Providence Valley Lutheran Church with Pastor Cheryl Matthews officiating; organist, Arlys Swenson accompanied the singing of "Borning Cry" and "Children of the Heavenly Father" and Dean Pearson, accompanied on piano by wife, Joyce sang "In the Garden" and "Peace In the Valley." Honorary casketbearers were all his grandchildren and the active were David and Mike Beecher, Mark Giese, Dennis Kuehne, Steve Schanning and Brad, David and Dean Swenson. Interment was in the church cemetery. Visitation was at the Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson on Thursday, September 1, from 5-7:00 PM, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Wilford Omar Fredlund was born November 11, 1925, in Canby, MN, to Walter and Olga (Lideen) Fredlund. Willie was baptized and confirmed at Providence Valley Lutheran Church. He attended Oshkosh #37 through the eighth grade. He then started farming full-time with his mother and dad on the family farm in Oshkosh Township. Willie loved the farm and especially loved the horses and dairy cattle. He owned lots of horses over the years and enjoyed taking them to many parades and shows. He expanded the family dairy herd, buying their first registered Holsteins. Willie showed his dairy cattle for many years and made some special friends along the way. He especially enjoyed showing his special cow, Chrissy, taking her all over the country, including the National Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. Willie was active in 4-H as a kid and often told the story of his first trip to the Minnesota State Fair with his pig. He loved 4-H and continued to be involved throughout his entire life, taking time to mentor and encourage so many young people during that time. His favorite time of year was fair time, and he was always there to help his children, and then grandchildren with their many projects. Willie was involved in many other organizations. He served on the Yellow Medicine Soil and Water Conservation board for many years. He also served on the executive board of the Minnesota Valley Breeders Association and Registered Holstein Association. He was a member of the Oshkosh School Board and many committees at Providence Valley Lutheran Church. On November 7, 1982, Willie married the love of his life, Patricia Thompson Schmig. They continued to farm on the family farm near Canby. In 1993, they moved to a farm in Maxwell Township near Dawson. They continued to milk until the fall of 2003. Even after he retired from milking, Willie kept busy with his chores. He was very proud of his horse team of Norwegian Fjords, Ole and Sven. He also enjoyed taking care of his sheep and many cats and dogs. He was able to help drive tractor for his son-in-law and enjoyed being back in the fields. In 2007, Willie and Pat moved into Dawson. Willie enjoyed feeding and watching the birds in town and tending to his flowers. They stayed busy attending their grandchildren's concerts, sporting events, proms, baptisms, confirmations, graduations, and 4-H shows. Willie cherished the time he spent with his family and friends. He appreciated a good cup of coffee and good conversation and spent many afternoons at the Swedish Inn with "the Guys" having both. Willie was able to brighten the day of everyone he met. Whether it was a word of encouragement, a funny story, a compliment, or just a smile and a wink, he always made us smile. He could find the best in everyone! Wilford Fredlund died on Sunday, August 28, 2011, at Johnson Memorial Hospital in Dawson at the age of 85 years, 9 months and 17 days. Willie is survived by his wife Patricia; his children: Eleanor (Jon) Wintheiser of Redwood Falls, Becky (Greg) Moorse of Minneota, Nathan (Cherri) Schmig of Minneota, and Denise (Troy) Kluess of Shakopee; 14 grandchildren: Brittany Moorse, Grant (Denaca DeVos) Moorse, Alexandra Kluess, Garrett Moorse, Cassandra Kluess, Gared Moorse, Duncan Schmig, Grady Moorse, Laura Schmig, Brooke Moorse, Kara Schmig, Kaden Wintheiser, Kalie Wintheiser, and Kaleb Wintheiser; one sister, LaVonne Fliss of Edina, MN: three special nieces: Laurie Fliss, Sheri Luhring, and Kim Livingston; many sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, godchildren, other family and friends. Proceeding him in death were his parents; sister, Eleanor Fredlund; daughter, Theresa Thompson; brothers-in-law: Lee Fliss & William Diaz; and special friends, Fred and Roselle Brockmueller. Blessed be his memory.