Obituary of Ernest Freese

Ernest William Freese Funeral services for Ernest William Freese of Winfield, MO, were held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 21, 2004 at St. Paul United Church of Christ near Old Monroe, MO. Rev. Jeanne Lischer, church pastor, officiated with burial in St. Paul United Church of Christ Cemetery near Old Monroe. Serving as pallbearers were Doug Gifford, David Gifford, Tom Bauer, Mike Miles, Mike Freese and Matt Freese. Mr. Freese, 86, died Monday evening, October 18, 2004 at Lincoln County Medical Center in Troy, MO. Born September 9, 1918 in Old Monroe, he was the son of John Henry and Anna Hoffman Freese. He was united in marriage on September 16, 1939 in Winfield, to Mary Darling Beckemeier. He served his country during World War II in the United States Navy Seabees from June 12, 1944 until January 31, 1946. He was employed as a truck mechanic for International in Harvester, MO for 42 years, retiring in 1980. He studied diesel engineering at the National School of Diesel Engineering in California. He was a former Boy Scout Leader and served on the Winfield School Board. He was a member of the St. Paul United Church of Christ near Old Monroe where he served on the church council. He also headed the St. Paul UCC Cemetery for many years. Mr. Freese was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna Freese. Survivors include his beloved wife of 65 years, Mary Freese of Winfield; one son, Darryl Freese and his wife, Phyllis, of Winfield; one daughter, Pat Gifford and her husband, Jerry, of Winfield; 7 grandchildren and 11 great, grandchildren. He also leaves one brother, Paul Freese and his wife, Esther, of Winfield; two sisters-in-law: Helen Beckemeier of Winfield, and Mary Beckemeier of Booneville, MO; one brother-in-law, DeWayne Beckemeier and his wife, Norma, of Springfield, MO. several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home near Winfield. Memorials may be made to St. Paul UCC Stewardship in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 3838 East Highway 47, P.O. Box 253, Winfield, MO 63389.