Allen Lee Frederick

Allen Lee Frederick, age 76, a longtime resident of Berrien Springs, Michigan, passed away on September 14, 2026, following a brief illness. He was born on May 23, 1950, in Takoma Park, Maryland, and lived a life marked by kindness, faith, humor, and quiet strength.

He was born to the late Charles and Eldine (Allen) Frederick. Allen spent his early childhood in India, where his parents were missionaries, and graduated from Norte Vista High School in Riverside, California. Though his path in life was shaped by learning disabilities and mental illness, he met each day with determination and courage, overcoming much and living a full and wonderful life. Those who knew him will remember him as a loving, kind, and funny man whose presence brought warmth to others.

Allen worked for many years at the GateWay Center as a janitor, where he found great joy in meeting and working with others. He took pride in his work and appreciated the simple satisfaction of a job well done. His steady routine and friendly nature made him a familiar and valued presence to those around him. He enjoyed being part of a community and was always glad to share a smile or a kind word.

Christian faith was central to Allen’s life and brought him great comfort throughout the years. He read The Bible often, and his faith was especially meaningful to him at Christmas time, when he would read the Christmas story to his family. These moments reflected the tenderness of his spirit and the importance he placed on tradition, love, and belief. His devotion to his faith remained a source of peace and strength throughout his life.

Allen had many interests that reflected his creativity and joy in life. He enjoyed adult coloring books and loved to draw and paint, showing a natural artistic ability and a careful eye for color and detail. He also enjoyed building model cars, collecting die-cast cars, and was a true car enthusiast. Music was another cherished part of his life, and he had a beautiful voice. He also enjoyed playing the harmonica, adding another expression of his musical gifts. His sense of humor was one of his most memorable qualities.

Allen is survived by his sister, Cheryl Frederick Withrow, and her husband, Al; his niece, Wendy Withrow, and her husband, Matthew Reidsma, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; his great-niece and great-nephew, Mira and Samuel Reidsma Withrow; and his aunt, Imogene Akers of Loma Linda, California. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Eldine Frederick. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him and by those whose lives were brightened by his gentle spirit and enduring smile.

Memorial contributions may be made in Allen’s memory to the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), 4301 Wilson Blvd Suite 300 Arlington VA 22203 or GateWay Services at Berrien Community Foundation, 211 Hilltop Road Suite 117 St. Joseph, MI 49085.

A time of visitation will be held at Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs on Friday, September 25, 2026 from 12pm until 2pm. Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026 at Rosehill Cemetery in Oronoko Township at 2:30pm.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home. www.AllredFuneral.com 

Allen’s life was a testament to perseverance, faith, and the power of love shared with family and friends. He will be remembered with affection for his artistic talents, his love of music, his devotion to his faith, and the joy he found in everyday life. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and he will be dearly missed.