Obituary of Dodo Fritz Freerksen

Dodo Fritz Freerksen, aged 58, passed away peacefully in the Rimbey Hospital on October 30, 2023 with his family by his side. Born on August 31st, 1965 in Woquard, Germany to Broer and Hayna, Dodo lived a full and vibrant life from beginning to end and touched the lives of many people along the way.

As a boy Dodo enjoyed taking his pony for rides, cooking with his grandma, playing sckart, tea time with family, and attending boarding school in Langeoog. At age 16 he immigrated to Canada to start his new life on a grain farm. After a few years his parents, brother, and grandmother also moved to Canada and together they farmed a 240 sow,  farrow-to-finish pig operation. Dodo wanted a family and met the love of his life, Tammy Terry at a graduation dance and they were married on July 3, 1994 and had 4 children. Together they travelled across central Alberta selling pork meat on Farmers Markets until transitioning off the farm into the school bus field.

Driving a school bus was Dodo’s passion, he put tremendous effort into making sure that the bus ride was not only safe, but that it was also enjoyable for the riders entrusted in his care. After a short time, Dodo became a driver trainer and created safety and incentive programs to support drivers and students. To keep his skills sharp, and meet other bus drivers, Dodo competed in numerous school bus Road-eo's locally, provincially, and internationally, taking him to Boston, Charleston, Minneapolis, Austin, St. Louis, and Tulsa. Dodo had a generous heart and he was always quick to proudly tell you the story about his son placing first and beating him in his last school bus competition.

Dodo was a devout family man and his love for driving meant he was always up for an adventure. Dodo and Tammy often took their children camping throughout Alberta and British Columbia, and even took road trips to Disneyland and Niagara Falls. Dodo was well known for uttering the phrase; “I like to drive”.  Dodo loved to share stories and it is impossible not to remember Dodo without a broad smile, warm hug, helping hand and friendly conversation. Towards the end of his life, Dodo had the extreme pleasure of becoming an Opa to Theodore.

Dodo is survived by his adoring wife Tammy Freerksen and his 4 children, Cody, Jeana, Jordon, and Brendon; grandson Theodore; brother Johann; and  numerous in-laws , friends, and his bus family.

Dodo’s family invites you to attend his celebration of life on Sunday, November 12th at 1:00 pm, in the Rimbey branch of The Royal Canadian Legion. If desired, a donation to the Rider of the Month program can be made in person or by E-transfer to riderofthemonthprog@gmail.com. Condolences to Dodo’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net . Please indicate “Freerksen” in the subject line.

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944