Frieda Nielsen Burdette -- born August 26, 1938 -- passed to a wondrous new dimension on November 9, 2023 at her family homestead in the High Desert. 

A woman of grace, kindness and unwavering strength, Frieda's radiance, wisdom, nature guidance, and helping hand touched all who knew her. 

Born on a rural farm in Michigan to parents from Denmark and Germany, Frieda grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan before moving to California. 

A 45-year resident of Landers, California in the Mojave Desert, Frieda transformed her family's five-acre homestead into a verdant garden of native and drought-tolerant plants nurturing a burgeoning population of desert wildlife. She also was friend to several generations of beloved dogs and cats, including her final feline friend, Morris. Frieda loved all animals, but bunnies held an extra special place in her heart. She chose the rabbit as her spirit animal. 

Frieda earned her Bachelor's Degree in social work from California State University San Bernardino while a single mother at the age of 50. She led a rewarding career serving seniors in the Morongo Basin. 

In her very active retirement, she travelled to China, Europe, Puerto Rico. Mexico, and across much of the USA. A highlight of her travels was visiting Denmark with her two youngest children to visit the birthplace of her father in historic Jelling.  

She also founded Frieda's Happy Hikers, leading hikers of all ages and abilities on regular excursions throughout the high and low deserts and beyond. She and her hiking group were featured prominently in the Whitewater Preserve episode of Huell Howser's "California Gold."  A plaque placed before a sycamore tree at the preserve honors Frieda and her hiking group. 

She was a proud past member of the Wild Women of Joshua Tree and of the late Dr. Lou Gerhardt’s Tough-Minded Optimists group.  For many years she was a regular presence at the Thursday Welcome Group and at the Center for Spiritual Living in Yucca Valley, where she delivered a number of inspiring talks. 

Frieda raised five loving children: Krista Shultz, Steven Shultz, Charles Shultz, Anthony Shultz, Jr., and Michael Shultz. Her seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren brought her great joy. 

Frieda's ever-shining spirit and unyielding love will be deeply missed, and her example will continue to inspire all whose lives she graced.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/frieda-burdette/obituary/

Copy