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Karen Anne Fredrickson, 1946-2025
LostCoastOutpost.com
August 13 2025
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Karen Anne Fredrickson (née Moore), age 79, who left us peacefully at her home in Iaqua on August 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Karen was born on April 13, 1946, in Eureka at St. Joseph Hospital to Charles and Edra Moore. She grew up in Freshwater, attending Freshwater Elementary School, and spent her summers at the family ranch in Iaqua — a place central to the rest of her life. The ranch shaped her love of ranching, animals, community, and the land itself.
She graduated from Eureka Senior High School in 1964 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences in 1968. Her experience in college would continue to influence Karen’s life, blending community and agriculture.
Karen began her professional journey with the Department of Food and Agriculture in Lebanon County, Oregon, and broke new ground as Oregon’s first female Brand Inspector. From there she worked for Oregon State University Agricultural Extension, serving as the 4-H Director for Benton County, Oregon. In 1982, she returned to Humboldt County, serving the community with Redwood Community Action Agency and later the Area 1 Agency on Aging.
Continuing her path of community service Karen was a key member of the Humboldt County Probation Office. From 1988 to 2003, Karen served as a probation officer, supervisor and director. Karen made a lasting impact in the department serving as founding supervisor for the Humboldt County Drug Court, leading the Intensive Supervision Unit, and ultimately serving as Division Director of Adult Probation. Compassion and commitment defined her professional career. Her dedication earned her the Pat Mitchell Award from the Eureka Police Officers Association along with the admiration and respect of the law enforcement community.
Karen married her beloved husband, Duane Fredrickson, and together they built a life of love, hard work, and shared passions. She was the proud mother of Shaun and Kylie Brenneman, Adrienne and Thomas Ross, Melissa Grace, and Jason and Emily Fredrickson. She adored her grandchildren — Meghann and Michael Weldon, Kaitlin and Kevin Marshall, McKenna and Andrew Miyashiro, Samuel Ross, Austin Grace, and Wyatt Grace — and her great-grandchildren, Elias and Agatha Miyashiro.
Karen is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen and Roddy Gordon, and her brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Dina Moore. She also leaves behind a large extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom she cherished deeply. She was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Edra Moore. Her dear friends remained an important part of her life through the years.
Karen was a lifelong athlete competing in many endurance related sports from marathons to ride and ties, ultimately culminating in equine endurance rides. Karen was a lifelong member of Redwood Empire Endurance Riders and the American Endurance Ride Conference. Blending her love of horses and distance racing, she found her passion in endurance riding. Her endurance riding career was nothing short of remarkable. She completed the legendary 2,000-mile Pony Express Trail XP Ride three times in full and once in part (1,250 miles), riding from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Virginia City, Nevada. She logged countless 250-mile, multi-day rides across the western United States, amassing an extraordinary 18,155 sanctioned AERC miles between 2000 and 2018. During her two-decade racing career she gathered more than just miles, she collected a vast group of life-long friends.
Astride her beloved horse, Murphy (MRR Pyro), Karen achieved the coveted “Perfect 10” Award in 2011 — ten years, 10,000 miles, 10 first-place finishes, and 10 best condition awards — an honor held by only a select few in the sport’s history. That same year, they received the rare Pard’ners Award, recognizing the deep partnership between horse and rider. In 2014, Murphy was inducted into the American Endurance Riders Hall of Fame, and by 2015, they had completed 15,000 race miles together.
Karen’s passions extended far beyond endurance riding. She was a gifted gardener who inspired many to grow and nurture the land. Together with Duane, she owned and operated a successful cattle ranch in Iaqua. Their work together went beyond raising a thriving cattle herd, they strove to restore and improve the land. Working closely with Natural Resources Conservation Service, Karen and Duane endeavored to promote stewardship and conservation of the land they loved. Their shared efforts earned them the Buckeye Conservancy Stewardship Award.
In keeping with her trend of community service, she was a lifelong member of the Humboldt ranching community. Karen served as Secretary of the Humboldt/Del Norte Cattlemen’s Association from 1999–2000, was a member of the Farm Bureau, and the Buckeye Conservancy. At home, she was surrounded by the dogs she loved, her constant companions over the years.
Karen had a generous heart, a strong will, and an easy smile that made everyone feel welcome. She taught by example — showing others the value of hard work, loyalty, and living life of courage and joy.
A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at 1:00 PM, Sunday, September 21, 2025 at The Wharfinger Building, 1 Marina Way, Eureka, CA 95501. Friends and family are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Humboldt and the Humboldt/Del Norte Cattlemen Scholarship Fund in her memory.
• Hospice of Humboldt, 3327 Timber Fall Ct., Eureka, CA 95503
• Humboldt/Del Norte Cattlemen Scholarship Fund, 5630 S Broadway, Eureka, CA 95503
Karen will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, great-aunt, and friend. We imagine her now riding through the mountains she loved so much, wind in her hair, astride Murphy, with Cat at her side.
The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Humboldt County and the University of San Francisco Cancer Center for their compassionate care during her final days.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Karen Fredrickson’s loved ones to Lost Coast Outpost
3 local riders to represent USA at World Endurance Championships
GoldCountryMedia.com - Full Article
Jordan Georgeson article and photo
Aug 09, 2025
A trio of local endurance riders will represent the United States at the 2025 FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors in September in Romania, an event that will test riders and horses over a grueling 75-mile course.
Vanessa Erickson of Lincoln and Lila Reeder and Jax Beloberk of Loomis were three of the five riders selected to represent the US in this event. All three earned their spots through a demanding qualification process that required four long-distance races of 60 and 75 miles.
It’s an achievement made even more remarkable by its rarity, as all three ride at Crater Hill Equestrian in Newcastle under coach Samantha Ellis...
Read more here:
https://goldcountrymedia.com/news/326674/3-local-riders-to-represent-usa-at-world-endurance-championships/
William “Bill” Stevens 1960-2025
StevensonFunerHomes.com
In Memory Of William “Bill” Stevens, age 65 of Ashland
June 12, 1960 – July 13, 2025
William “Bill” Craig Stevens, age 65, passed away on the morning of July 13, 2025, while out tending to his cattle on the forest. Bill was born in Sheridan, Wyoming on June 12, 1960, to Marcus and Nancy Stevens. He was their first born and the start of the fifth generation on the Circle Bar Ranch.
Bill’s childhood included many adventures as one would expect living on a ranch. From swimming in Otter Creek to climbing the surrounding hills, Bill was always up to something. Collecting various wild animals as pets, going camping, riding his bicycle to town (Sheridan – 67 miles away), and playing in The Fort.
His education started at the one room schoolhouse on Otter Creek for the first couple of years and finishing up with 8th grade at Ashland Public School. Bill then attended and graduated from Tongue River High School in 1979. After High School, Bill traveled to Laramie, Wyoming to attend WyoTech, graduating with certificates in automotive and diesel technologies.
In the summer of 1981, Bill first met Janice (Jan) Lori Kyllo as she worked at the OW Ranch outside of Sheridan, WY. As fate would have it, Bill had accepted a flying job in Laramie as Jan was starting her freshman year at the University of Wyoming in Laramie that fall. Bill and Jan dated until she graduated in the spring of 1985. They married June 1, 1985, and celebrated their 40th Anniversary in 2025.
Bill and Jan welcomed Heather Anne on July 12, 1988, during the week of the Sheridan WYO Rodeo, amidst a summer of numerous fires. Jennifer Ellen came two years later on October 9, 1990 while Bill was working on a water pipeline. Finally, Megan Kay arrived on August 27, 1994. Bill loved his girls and never felt outnumbered by the female presence in the house. He instilled in them the love for the ranch, family history, hunting, cooking, and being adventurous.
Bill’s love for flying started at an early age flying with his dad, Marc. Soloing at 15 and receiving his pilot’s license at age 16. While attending WyoTech he continued his piloting education as well, gathering various certifications from Commercial to Instructor. Bill finished out his certificates as a Multi-Engine Instrument Flight Instructor. In 1981, Bill took a job with Laramie Aviation as a flight instructor and charter pilot. He worked there until he moved back to the ranch in 1983. Bill continued to fly at the ranch, from looking for cattle on the forest and hunting coyotes in the winter, to taking friends and family up for a joy ride and flying to town for parts, Bill was always at home in the air. Bill’s pride and joy was the yellow and black NorthStar plane, in which he logged many hours building and even more flying.
Hunting was always a big part of Bill’s life. From the local game of mule and whitetail deer, antelope, and elk, Bill usually drew a tag. While Bill enjoyed hunting himself, he really loved taking new hunters out to show them the ropes. Later in life, Bill found a love for Africa and hunting there. In the spring of 2025, he convinced Jan to travel with him to Africa, hoping that she would share the love for it that he had. It didn’t take much convincing after Jan shot three for three.
Bill’s love for competition was evident in the many sports that he participated in. He participated in wrestling and football while attending High School. He especially enjoyed coaching little kids in wrestling, teaching them their first move; to throw their hands up in the air, yell, and run onto the mat at the other competitor, thereby forcing them off the mat. He was always studying the local Broadus High School calendar to see when the next football, basketball, or wrestling meet was going to be held so that he could attend. In the mid 1990’s, Bill found the sport of Endurance Riding with his wife. He participated in many one-day rides from ranging from 50 to 100 miles. He furthered his endurance experience by offering to help the US Endurance Team when they traveled overseas for various World Championships. His travels included Canada, the United Arab Emirates, France, Italy, Spain, Costa Rica, and New Zealand. In these travels he made countless friends, with many of them traveling to the ranch to visit.
The ranch was always in the forefront of Bill’s mind. He was so proud to share his love of this way of life with his family and friends. He impressed upon the girls the importance of loving the land; treating it with care so that it can provide for the coming generations. He loved the history of his family in ranching and being the Papa of the 7th generation here on Otter Creek. Bill served on several local boards including the Powder River Conservation District and the Airport Board in Broadus. He enjoyed being involved in the decision making for the betterment of the natural resources and the longevity of ranching in Southeastern Montana. He was also a very strong fundraising advocate for the Broadus Volunteer Fire Department.
Bill’s family would like to thank our family and friends for their outpouring of support through this difficult time. Bill always felt that there were never any strangers in the world, only people he hadn’t befriended yet.
Bill is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jan; Daughter Heather Herman (John) of Sonnette, Montana; Daughter Jennifer Clairmont (Chet) of New Bern, North Carolina; Daughter Megan Stevens of Sheridan, Wyoming; Grandchildren Tyler, Cody, and Kaylee Herman and Milo Clairmont. Parents Marcus and Nancy Stevens; Sisters Suzanne Notti (Jae) and Cynthia Gratwohl (Hal); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents John and Dorothy Stevens, grandparents Russell and Mary Price, and his niece Rebecca Notti.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made to the Bill Stevens Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will be dedicated to furthering the education of students wishing to go to trade schools.
USA Endurance Secures Individual Podium Finish in Junior/Young Rider Championship at 2025 FEI Endurance Pan American Championships
USEF.org
by Isabelle Whiteside/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | Jul 19, 2025, 9:23 AM
Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil - The U.S. Endurance Team successfully finished three horse-and-athlete combinations through the 120km ride at the 2025 FEI Endurance Pan American Championship hosted at Haras Albar, in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. The U.S. Endurance Team was led by Team Chef d’Equipe Lisanne Dorion and supported by Team Veterinarian Dr. Olivia Rudolphi, and Team Leader Nicole Zerbee.
“Across varying terrain and excellent conditions, the U.S. athletes performed in line with expectations,” said Lisanne Dorian, USA Endurance Chef d'Equipe.
Avery Betz-Conway (Kingsland, Ga.) finished as the highest placed U.S. combination individually, taking third overall in the Young Rider Championships with her mount Zendaya Rach, a 2015 Arabian mare owned by Rach Stud Agropecuaria. The pair earned the first medal for U.S. Endurance at a Pan American or World Championship since 2011.
The 120km championship trail consisted of four loops, ranging from 20km to 36.5km, featuring undulating terrain across the Brazilian country, designed to challenge both the endurance, stamina, and horsemanship of the competing horse-and-athlete combinations. At the conclusion of each loop, the horses were inspected and checked by the official competition veterinarians to ensure peak physical condition before returning to the rest of the trail.
“Zendaya Rach knew her job all day long and performed like a true professional,” said Betz-Conway. “We have been training together for the last two months and she gave me 200% every step of the way. I’m so grateful for her and the huge support system we had around us. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Heather Davis (The Plains, Va.) and HM Kaiser Tesla, a 2016 Anglo-Arabian gelding owned by Haras Paso Manzanero, finished inside the top ten individually in the Senior Championship, taking ninth place overall, marking their first top ten finish at the championship level. Thomas Rajala (Hillsborough, N.C.) and Valente Heb, a 2009 Arabian gelding owned by Fernando De Mello Mattos Haaland, finished eleventh overall.
See results and more at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/usa-endurance-secures-individual-podium-finish-in