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Kenosha Area Leader Dies Unexpectedly

Mar. 2, 2024 6:15p

(WGTD)---A long-time, Kenosha labor leader who wore many hats over the years died unexpectedly at his home overnight. 

Ron Frederick was 91.  

Frederick began a political career as a union steward at American Brass, where he worked for over 30 years, save for a four-year stint in the Air Force.

He went on to serve as president of the Kenosha AFL-CIO Council. He was a past Kenosha County Treasurer, and also served on the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors and the Board of Trustees at Gateway Technical College. 

Former Kenosha State Rep. Peter Barca said Frederick had an incredible impact on the community. "He just was someone that had great judgment, worked hard, guided people and was always there," Barca said. "There was never a project too large that he wasn't willing to take on if he thought it would benefit the community," he said.

Former Kenosha County Executive John Collins noted that Frederick was passionate about many things and never shied away from a political argument. "Ron could have a temper and Ron could get mad but Ron would get over getting mad," Collins said. "Ron was a good guy but he did like to get into political debates."

Barca said he had been with Frederick at a breakfast gathering just last Monday at a local restaurant where he appeared to be in good health, strong both mentally and physically. 

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