Olga Katherine (Federkins) Frickensmith (96), of Racine, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 11th, 2019. She was born in Volodymyr-Volynskyi, Ukraine on May 14, 1922, to John and Dorothy Fedorkevich and immigrated to America with her parents in December 1923. Olga was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Frickensmith, whom she married on August 30, 1947, in a special ceremony at the Kenosha St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church.
They were happily married for almost 67 years, before Bill’s passing in July 2014. Olga was a loving wife and generous mother who invested heavily in the lives of her four children. She enjoyed sewing and collecting bells from around the world.
In her younger years, she enjoyed collecting postcards resulting in pen pals from around the world. Her longest pen pal was from Brazil, which continued for over 70 years and resulted in their meeting on several occasions. For most of her married life, Olga was a hard working stay-at-home mom.
She was known for her delectable pies and home made cookies. She had the gift of hospitality, which was often extended to those of other nationalities. She dearly loved family gatherings with her children and their families.
Olga and Bill enjoyed extensive travels throughout the United States and Europe. She was actively involved in St. John’s Lutheran Church ladies sewing group that met weekly to sew quilts for world relief. She volunteered her time for many years at the Racine Lutheran Thrift shop.
Olga was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Olga and Bill were active members of the senior group called Trinity Troupers. Olga and Bill loved to entertain and joyfully hosted numerous friends and family in their home for many years. Olga’s greatest asset was her love for Jesus and her love for others.
Her life reflected the Golden Rule. She lived life serving others and putting others before herself. This deep faith was demonstrated in tangible deeds, when for example, she repeatedly smuggled bibles into Soviet occupied Ukraine during the height of the Cold War on her visits to relatives, knowing full well the risks of incarceration if caught.
Her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was of supreme importance to her. She loved to sing the old hymns of the Christian faith, especially Blessed Assurance. Olga had a quick wit and a delightful sense of humor, which continued even into the final years of her life.
Olga had warm smiles. She loved to laugh. Through her life, she taught all of us so much about love, forgiveness, and the deep responsibility we have to care for others.
Olga is survived by her four children and their spouses, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren: Daughter, Cynthia Ann (Pastor Aaron) Wheaton of Terre Haute, Indiana, and their sons, Isaac (Jennie) of Cummings, Georgia; Andrew (Kelly) and their children Rayen, Ahava and Joshua of Temuco, Chile (South America); son William III and his daughter, Jasmine of Milwaukee; son Lance (Judy) of Monticello, Illinois, and their children Leon of Madison, Wisconsin, Destiny and Alia of Champaign, Illinois, and Victor of Monticello, Illinois; son Jon (Joan) and daughters Kaitlyn and Sarah, of Racine. Olga is also survived by sister-in-law Yvonne Federkins of Mt. Prospect, Illinois, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews and cousins.
Besides her husband, Bill, Olga was preceded in death by her parents, John and Dorothy Federkins, grandson Peter Winston Wheaton (Isaac’s twin). Also proceeding Olga in death were her brother, Joe Federkins, sister Anne (Donald) Phetteplace and baby sister, Irene. Olga was a beloved wife, mother, grandma, and great grandma, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, aunt, Godmother and friend to many.
Olga was well loved because she loved us well. She truly was a blessing to know and will be greatly missed this side of heaven. The family wishes to express special thanks to the Trinity Lutheran Care Team and Hospice Alliance and the kindnesses of the Ridgewood Nursing Home staff.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 2nd at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2065 Geneva St, Racine. Visitation from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. Memorial service at 11:30 AM.
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