Pete Fredericks

Pete Fredericks, 87, lost his battle with lung cancer June 11, 2024, in his home in Bismarck. Pete was able to pass peacefully to the great beyond because of the loving care from his wife, Sylvia who he affectionately called “my lady”.  They were able to say their last goodbye earlier that morning when Pete lovingly looked at Sylvia and said, “I love you my lady,” and she said, “I love you too.” Pete was surrounded by his loving wife, Sylvia and his family.

Pete was born August 17, 1936 to John and Catherine (Medicine Stone) Fredericks, in Elbowoods, North Dakota, on the Fort Berthold Reservation, where being a bronc rider is every young man’s ambition.  His Indian name is "Charging Eagle" (Ma Sii Sca heedaa), and he was North Dakota’s first National High School Rodeo champion.

Pete burst onto the rodeo scene like a lightning bolt. In 1953, he clinched the National High School Rodeo State Championship in bareback riding. Two years later, he became the State Champion in saddle bronc riding and steer wrestling. Pete’s grit and determination set him apart even then. The next year Pete earned the all-around champion title and was a North Dakota high school champion in three events – bareback, saddle bronc riding, and steer wrestling.

Pete attended New Mexico State College for a couple years then gave up a scholarship to New Mexico State College to attend Dickinson State Teachers College where he helped organize the first rodeo team in 1958 – marking the beginning of intercollegiate rodeo in North Dakota. The arena became his canvas, and he painted it with courage, skill, and camaraderie.

In 1959, Pete rode at Madison Square Garden—the rodeo mecca. The bright lights, the roar of the crowd—it was all part of his symphony. That same year, he claimed the National Intercollegiate bareback and all-around champion titles. Pete’s name echoed across the Manhattan skyline.

Pete’s victories were like notes in a cowboy ballad. He was the bareback champion in San Antonio in 1961 where he was runner-up to Jack Bushbaum, riding all 10 of his horses and finishing 4th in the world bareback rider.  In 1962, Pete continued to make his mark in rodeo. He achieved the saddle bronc champion title at the San Antonio rodeo that year.  His total winnings exceeded $16,500, ranking him 15th in the world all-around competition.

In 1976 Pete Fredericks was an instrumental, founding member of the Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) Commission, on which he served for many years.  Pete served as vice-president of the National Indian Rodeo Association and was a member of the Indian National Finals Rodeo Commission. He was co-recipient of the Indian Rodeo Man-of-the-Year Award in 1976.

Pete competed professionally across the western United States. He claimed numerous bareback, saddle-bronc, and all-around championships at iconic venues like Deadwood, San Antonio, and Albuquerque. Pete’s three-year bareback title streak (1961-1963) in Albuquerque remains legendary.

Pete made an appearance in the 1990 film “Dances with Wolves.” In the movie, he played a role alongside his son.

In 1999, Pete was inducted into the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame in the rodeo division. “The Rodeo Division honors individuals who, through their participation in America’s only original sport have distinguished and brought to themselves and the sport of rodeo,” a tribal press release stated.

On Saturday, November 12, 2011, Pete Fredericks, a tribal member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation (Three Affiliated Tribes) was inducted into the first Indian National Finals Rodeo Hall of Fame. Fredericks was one of the six original founders and commissioners of the Indian National Finals Rodeo.

Pete was inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2012 in Oklahoma City.  Pete was also inducted into the Native American Hall of Honor in 2017. 

Even after his days of competition Pete remained important to the sport of rodeo and helping it grow. He wrote the original concept for the National All Indian Rodeo, which was approved by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. As a Gold Card Member of the PRCA, Pete stayed active in rodeo and was always willing to help people, young and old, who were interested in the sport.

Besides being a renowned rodeo star leaving a significant legacy in the world of rodeo, Pete was a successful rancher and businessman.  He started his ranch north of Halliday, North Dakota, in 1956. It began as a cow-calf operation.  His success was evident by the growth of the Ranch.  His love for horses was not just for show; it was an integral part of his life and work on the ranch.  On the Ranch, his favorite Palomino horse, Buddy and his faithful dog, Triggs are still living. 

Pete spent much of his time in the saddle, embodying the true spirit of a cowboy. His ranching life was a testament to his commitment to the Western way of life.  He was known to be soft-spoken, yet a good businessman. His ability to manage and grow his ranching business while maintaining his rodeo career speaks volumes about his capabilities. 

The legacy of Pete Fredericks extends beyond the rodeo arena into the fields of his ranch, where his hard work and passion for the cowboy lifestyle continue to inspire many.  Pete’s ranching days reflect his deep connection to the land and his heritage. His contributions to both rodeo and ranching have left a lasting impact on the community and the state of North Dakota.

            Pete’s legacy is not only etched in the annals of rodeo history but also in the hearts of his beloved family. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia, a pillar of strength and love, who stood by him through every triumph and challenge. He is also survived by his ten children: Terry Fredericks (Glenna), Sherry King, PJ Fredericks (Jaylen), Billy Joe Fredericks, Patty Kaye Fredericks, Sarah Kiefer (Fran), Nancy Meyer (Eric), Crystal RealBird (Gordon), Torrie Fredericks (Wayne) and Justin Fredericks, step-children, Jay Crouse (Erna) and Shaun Hemmesch (Maria) and 31 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren; two siblings, Thomas (Judy) Fredericks and Betts Gress; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

            He was preceded in death by his parents and six brothers and sisters, Keith, Ken, Buddine, Davine, Juanita and Buzz.

As we bid farewell to Pete, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey marked by passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to family and community. His departure leaves behind a void that cannot be filled, but also a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

Pete Fredericks’ passing is a great loss to the rodeo community and to those who knew him. His dedication to the sport and his achievements have left an indelible mark on North Dakota’s history and the world of rodeo. His generous and loving spirit touched all who knew him.

The funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 12:00 PM CDT at the Twin Buttes Wellness Center with Fr. Joseph Evinger officiating. Billy Hale, Jr. will serve as Senior Pallbearer. A Wake will be held at the Twin Buttes Wellness Center on Monday, June 17, 2024 beginning at 5:00 PM CST, where friends, family, and admirers are welcome to share stories and honor the memory of a true cowboy, a loving husband, a caring father, and an icon of the American West.

Arrangements conducted by Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah and Hazen.

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