Fredrik William Reckling, Sr.

PORTAGE – Fredrik William Reckling, Sr., aged 76, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025, at Autumn Bay Assisted Living in Pewaukee, WI, after a courageous 16-year battle with Parkinson’s.

Fred was born on January 24, 1949, in Waukegan, IL to his parents Frederick and Odny (Hjelmeland) Reckling.

Fred grew up in Waukegan and graduated from Waukegan High School in 1967. A lifelong lover of sports, he played college football at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He graduated from Luther College in 1971 and joined the Army National Guard, where he served until his retirement as an E7 Sergeant First-Class, in 1993, stationed out of Fort McCoy.

In June 1972, Fred married Charlotte (Holmberg) Reckling. Together, they raised two children, Erika and Fredrik Jr. (Will), whom he loved dearly and was very proud of.

An educator at heart, Fred began his teaching career in Whitehall, WI. In 1979, he and Charlotte moved to his beloved community of Portage, WI. Fred taught Social Studies at both the Junior High and Senior High Schools. He coached numerous sports, served as head of the student council, and contributed to plays and musicals as the technical director.

Fred earned his Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from UW-Madison in 1989. He then became Junior High Guidance Counselor at Julia E. Rusch Junior High and later served as their Dean of Students. Active in the local teachers union, Fred served multiple terms as president and played an influential role in the formation of the SCEA. He retired from education in 2009 and later served on the school board for many years.

Fred’s love for his hometown extended into public service as the 7th Ward Alderman for the City of Portage, WI, a position he held from April 2004 to April 2012.

Fred was perhaps best known as the “Voice of the Warriors.” For 33 years, he provided play-by-play commentary for Portage High School sports, bringing Warrior games to life on WPDR/WDDC radio, now Magnum Broadcasting. He covered football, boys and girls basketball, and occasionally volleyball, wrestling, and baseball. He interviewed coaches and players and broadcast many championship games. Fred was honored for his many years of dedication to sports broadcasting with being inducted into the Portage Hall of Fame in June 2009 by the Greater Portage Youth Foundation.

Those who knew and loved Fred will remember him for his quick humor, his willingness to help others, and his tenacious spirit for learning. Known as a fierce friend and an avid Cubs fan, Fred enjoyed sports, politics, and was a man of deep faith. He also served as Church Council Treasurer at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Fred was preceded in death by his loving parents, Frederick and Odny Reckling; his father- and mother-in-law, Wallace and Gladys Holmberg; and his brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Barb Reckling.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Charlotte (Holmberg) Reckling; his children, Erika (Jason) Durheim of Hutchinson, MN, and Fredrik William Patrick (Jessica Schick) Reckling Jr. of Oconomowoc, WI; and his two grandchildren, Reese and Dax Reckling. Fred also leaves behind his siblings, Aleta (Walt) Chossek, Kristine Clemens, and Petrina (Bryant) Gillman, as well as many dearly loved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, in Portage. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with a service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served following the service. A private inurnment will be held afterward.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.