Bernen Freese

Bernen Freese, age 87, of Schaller passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2003, at the Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge, IA.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 20, 2003, at 2:00 p.m at the First Presbyterian Church in Schaller. Burial will be in the Schaller Cemetery with full military honors by the Schaller V.F.W. Post # 4704. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home of Schaller is in charge of the arrangements.

Casketbearers are Scot McDonough, Trent McDonough, Kent Mentzer, Devin Helming, Ross McDonough, and Stuart Helming. Judy Fells is the organist. Congregational Hymns will be "Amazing Grace," "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," and "The Old Rugged Cross."

Friends may call after 2:00 p.m Friday, September 19, 2003 at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller, where the family will be present after 6:00 p.m.

Bernen Richard Freese was born on November 28, 1915 in Crawford County, Iowa to Gerd B. and Jenny (Groen) Freese. Jenny died when Bernen was just 5 years old and Bernen and his sister Gertrude were raised by their grandparents until 1925. Both Bernen and Gertrude were baptized at Wheatland Presbyterian Church near Breda. Bernen’s father was later married to Gasena Ohden.

Bernen moved to Schaller in 1933 and lived and worked on a farm south of Schaller until he took a job with the DeFoe Shipyard in Bay City, Michigan.

Bernen married Sadie Robinson on May 7, 1942 in Bay City, Michigan. He continued to work in Bay City from 1942 until 1944, when he was called to active duty in the U.S. Army. He served his country as a welder in the Army from 1944 to 1946, stationed in the Southwest Pacific and Japan. He returned October 1, 1946.

After Bernen completed his military service, he and Sadie once again lived in Schaller, where he farmed for the Roeder Brothers until 1951. He then became employed by Mrs. Mary Kotz and the Kotz Brothers, farming for them for 20 years. Bernen later farmed for Burton and Beulah Warriner and Lester Warriner east of Schaller.

Bernen and Sadie were active members of the First Presbyterian Church in Schaller, which they joined in 1953. Bernen loved his extended family, cherishing the time he could spend with them. He particularly enjoyed babysitting with little family members. In his spare time, Bernen liked to fish and read about history and historical events.

Bernen is survived by his brother Alben Freese of Sac City; sister-in-law Vadna Freese of Arkansas; brothers-in-law Dale Meyer and Don Pfrimmer; many nieces and nephews, including Kelvin Freese, Berned Freese, Peggy Cruse, Marjorie Williams, Carol Parker, Richard Meyer, Dale Meyer, Jr., Victoria Sweet, Gary Meyer, Roger Wade, Glenda Betels, Barb Ridenour, Harlan Roeder, Linda Mentzer, Marianne Helming, Jim Roeder, Gary Pfrimmer, Kay McDonough, Dennie Pfrimmer, Richard Robinson, Susan Diersen, Janene Garcia and Judy Robinson; many great-nieces and great-nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sadie, his brother Merle, and his sisters Gertrude and Martha.