Edward Ernest Freese, 84, of Grundy Center, Iowa, died on March 20, 2013 at the Grundy Care Center in Grundy Center while under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at the United Methodist Church in Grundy Center. A private family burial will take place at the Rosehill Cemetery in Grundy Center on Saturday, prior to the service. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 22nd from 5 to 7 P.M. at the Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home in Grundy Center.
Edward was born April 28, 1928 in Fern, Iowa, the son of Tom & Helena (Flater) Freese. He attended rural school in Fern, Iowa. Edward served in the United States Army from 1951-1953 and was stationed in Germany. On December 26, 1971, Edward married Martha Thoren at the United Methodist Church in Grundy Center.
Edward was employed as a trucker and then worked for the Grundy County Secondary Road Department for 39 years, retiring in 1991.
He was a member of the Salem Lutheran Church and later a member of the Grundy Center United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 349 for many years. Edward and Martha enjoyed going for rides together, especially going to visit with family and friends. Edward enjoyed attending his step-grandchildren's activities, and when the grandchildren were younger, going fishing with them and helping with their paper routes.
Edward is survived by his wife Martha; two step-daughters Carol Kruger of Hubbard and Jan (Dean) Meyer of Cedar Rapids; one step-son Randall (Jean ) Thoren of Grundy Center; seven step-grandchildren & nine step great-grandchildren; brother Chris (Esther) Freese of Dike and sister Elva (Jim) Brown of Grundy Center; sister-in-law Florence Freese of Stout and eleven nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; twin sister Emma Rose and brothers Henry & Fred Freese.