Paul J. Frederick

Paul J Frederick, age 90, of Okemos, Michigan, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026, after a lengthy illness. Paul was born on September 29, 1935, in Cheboygan, Michigan, to Paul and Marion (MacArthur) Frederick. The son of a State Police officer and a special education teacher, Paul developed both a strong sense of moral conscience and a curiosity about much of everything in life.

He graduated from Wayne State University with a bachelor’s degree in economics and obtained his law degree from the Detroit College of Law.

After serving in the Army for four years and a brief stint as an attorney in private practice, Paul worked as a banker for the first 35 years of his business career, primarily in commercial lending, before joining his son’s legal practice as an estate planning and probate lawyer for the last 25 years of his working life. He was a member of the State Bar of Michigan for almost 59 years! While working in the banking world, he met Patricia Grabowski and their 63+ year marriage produced four children and eight grandchildren.

Paul was an avid golfer and a voracious reader. He was up to date on current events, the stock market, politics and technology, right up to the end. He challenged himself and his children with a number of games and sports, including ping pong, tennis, basketball and baseball. He was also active in Indian Guides with all three of his sons, engaging in numerous activities and campouts. Paul had a keen mind and loved challenging crosswords and other puzzles. He loved to look for and celebrate the humorous side of life in order to brighten the lives of those around him. He constantly sought and found amusement in life and always had a ready smile. He treasured time with his family and was known by all to be an intensely ethical and kind, gentle man.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia M. Frederick, his children, James Paul (Katherine) Frederick, Pamela J. (Benno) Pedziwiatr, Timothy Paul Frederick and Douglas Paul Frederick and his grandchildren, Melissa, Sammy, Bryan, Dylan, Jeffrey (Hannah), Monica, Logan and Jessica. He is also survived by his sister, Kay Cape and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private gathering will be held in his honor in lieu of a funeral.