Cole R. Frederking

A beautiful gift has departed this earth. It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Cole Frederking, beloved son of Ryan and Kim Frederking, and brother to his younger sister, Ella Frederking. He departed this world on August 16, 2024, after a four-year long battle with cancer (Wilms’ Tumor). 

He graced us with his presence for 16 wonderful years and left us with precious memories, teachings and guidance on how to live a full and meaningful life. 

Cole strived for excellence in everything he did. He set a goal and achieved it. In his younger years, he gave 100% to baseball, soccer, running, Boy Scouts and school. After his cancer diagnosis in 2020, he refocused his energy to maintaining a positive attitude during treatment, getting a 4.0 in school and reinvented himself, becoming a determined and accomplished actor with StageFlight Theatre at Mountain Vista High School. 

In only two short years in high school, he performed in four plays, and helped frequently with stage tech. His most rewarding role was Trinculo in Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The Tempest received a superior commendation from Colorado Thespians in 2023! 

Throughout four-years of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, he never complained. Cole simply got up in the morning and made the best of the situation he was handed. 

Cole loved life. He found joy in even the hardest places. Cole was known for his kindness, intellect, quick-wit, deep thinking, high moral standards, and excellent sense of humor. 

He taught us all what determination, perseverance and joyfulness look like. 

Cole enjoyed theatre, reading, watching movies, playing video games and talking to friends. He would frequently challenge us on all manner of topics as he was forever interested in new ideas and perspectives. 

One of his final wishes was to help other children battling cancer. He decided to courageously donate his tumor to science. In doing this, he hoped researchers and scientists will be able use his tumor to find better therapies and maybe a permanent cure for Wilms’ Tumor. 

Although we will never understand why he was chosen for this long and difficult cancer journey, and while the loss of our beloved Cole leaves a tremendous hole in our hearts and lives, we will do our best to live life the way Cole would have wanted – show up and bring everything you have. We are committed to carrying on the legacies he was building as well as those he will never have the chance to begin or fulfill. 

Cole was born in Scottsdale, Arizona on March 31, 2008, and moved to Highlands Ranch, Colorado in 2015. Cole is survived by his mother, Kim Frederking, father Ryan Frederking, and sister, Ella Frederking. He has four living grandparents: Ron and Janis Frederking and Gregg and Joy Miller. He is also survived by his two aunts: Kristin Greenwood and Jill Dockerty (husband Patrick), with children Elijah Kufalk and Wyatt Kufalk. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 28, 2024, in Parker, Colorado. For details on the service, please contact the Frederking Family. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation - Cole Frederking Memorial tribute page to support Wilms’ Tumor research, or the Cole Frederking Legacy Foundation. Please contact the family for additional information.