Obituaries : Bernard J. Freese

VINTON: Bernard J. Freese, 89, died Sunday, January 14, 2018 at Virginia Gay Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, January 18, 2018 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vinton with Father Ardel Barta as Celebrant. Interment will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 PM, Wednesday at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, 212 E. 6th St., in Vinton. A Memorial Fund has been established. Bernard was born June 14, 1928 in Marshall County Iowa to John "Clem" and Mildred (Lang) Freese and graduated from Van Cleve High School where he excelled in Basketball and Baseball. On January 15, 1950 he was united in marriage to Juanetia Eatinger at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Haverhill, Iowa. Bernard farmed in Marshall and Benton Counties and raised purebred cattle and swine prior to his retirement. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vinton. He was an avid supporter of 4-H and FFA. He loved to dance and play cards. Bernard's greatest pride was raising his 8 kids and he took special joy in being a grandpa and great grandpa. He is survived by his children, Brenda Hackbarth of Vinton, Dan Freese and his significant other, Brenda McGurk of Walford, Laura (Eric) Morine of Lamont, and Bernard Joseph "Joe" (Sue) Freese, Jr. of Naperville, IL; his son-in-law, Bob (Barb) Hanisch of Northfield, MN; his daughters-in-law, Theresa Freese of Raymond and Deanna Freese (Kevin) Miller of Norway; eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren; and his sister, Betty Ann Spickert of Marshalltown. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his daughters, Carol Hanisch and Nancy Ann Freese; his sons, John and Tom Freese; his son-in-law, Craig E. Hackbarth; his brother, Glenn Freese; and long-time dance partner, Marie Fisher. Condolences may be left at: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com