Christian Freese

Christian Edward Freese, 93, of Osage, formerly of Dike, passed away on May 25, 2018 at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 30, at the Dike United Methodist Church at 10:30 AM with Pastor Dan Ridnouer officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 9:30 AM at the church. Burial will follow the church service at the Elmwood Cemetery in Dike. Memorials may be directed to the Dike United Methodist Church or the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage. Engelkes-Abels Dike Chapel is taking care of Chris and his family. Online condolences may be made at www.abelsfuneralhomes.com

Christian Edward Freese was born on January 11, 1925 in Fern, IA to his parents Thomas and Helene Freese (Flater). Chris attended school in Fern leaving after the 8th grade as so many of his generation did. Chris was united in marriage to Esther Leona Schmidt on November 11, 1948 at the Colfax Presbyterian Church in rural Holland. Chris trucked for over 38 years for the Rademaker Trucking Company of Stout, IA. Chris was a walking road map of the state of Iowa and could tell you right where you needed to go by using local landmarks. Chris enjoyed watching sports and games shows and doing crossword puzzles alongside Esther; he also enjoyed tending to his garden and trying to grow the first tomato of the season in his neighborhood. Chris was a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Bears fan.

Chris is survived by his children: Keith (KaVetta) Freese of Wentzville, Mo, Ardi (Jon) Gisleson of Floyd, Sheryl (Stuart) Dusenberry of Atlantic, Joan (Mark) Gutzmer of Minneapolis, MN, and Kristin (Ernie) Batson of Minneapolis, MN; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister Elva (Jim) Brown of Grundy Center. Chris is preceded in death by his parents, wife Esther,  daughter Marcia, brothers Henry, Fred, Edward and sister Emma Rose.