Frederick William Fricke, 85

Frederick William Fricke passed away Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Fred was born to Adolph and Lillian Fricke on Dec. 24, 1940, in Spokane, Wash. He joined his older brother, Ace, and his sister, Joyce.

Fred graduated from Lewis-Clark High School, Spokane, Wash., in 1958. He attended Gonzaga University for one year before transferring to the University of Idaho. He was a member of the Delta Sigma Chi Fraternity, where he met and married Linda Gatlin in 1962. He graduated in 1963 with a degree in Architecture. Fred and Linda had two children, Gretchen and Mark. They divorced in 1976.

Fred spent years designing homes and commercial buildings in the Pacific Northwest, including the Coeur d’Alene Mines Building in downtown Coeur d’Alene, his most prestigious project, before starting a packaging business in Spokane. 

He enjoyed watching sports and often attended the Spokane Indian games with his friends. Fred acquired a pinball machine and got hours of entertainment from watching his friends play while trying to outscore one another. He also loved Lake Coeur d’Alene and kept a boat on the water most of the year.   

In 1985, he became re-acquainted with a friend and life partner, Marilyn Sullivan. They had many adventures during their 40 years together. In 2005, the couple designed and built their retirement home on the shore of Echo Bay on Lake Coeur d'Alene. Fred and Marilyn married in 2021. 

Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, who passed in October 2025; his parents; both siblings; stepson, Michael Sullivan; and grandson, Drake Remlinger. Fred is survived by daughter Gretchen; grandson Dutch Ruark; son Mark; grandchildren Austin, Haven, Brittany and Peyton; stepdaughter Jaque Remlinger; grandchildren Dayne, Devin, Jessica and Julia Remlinger; and five great-grandchildren.

Fred and Marilyn were big supporters of the North Idaho Centennial Trail, and Fred was a beloved former commissioner of the East Side Fire District. Both Fred and his wife, Marylin, did not want a service but requested that you make contributions to the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation at 105 N. Front St, Suite 100, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814, or the East Side Fire District Auxiliary, 20436 South Highway 97, Harrison, Idaho. 

Please visit Fred’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.