Gerald “Gerry” “Red” Freese, 88, of Menominee, IL, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024, peacefully at Stonehill Care Center.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the Nativity BVM Parish will recite the rosary at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. There will be an additional visitation at church from 9;30 – 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Nativity B.V.M. Church in Menominee, with Fr. Ediberto Jarapa officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Gerry was born on April 28, 1936, in Hazel Green, WI, the son of Bernard and Hilda (Neis) Freese. He met his future wife, Karen E. Peters, in Galena and they were united in marriage on July 18, 1959, at St. Michaels Church in Galena.

Gerry was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, Class of 1954. He was a member of Nativity BVM Church, Menominee.  He was formerly employed at Chelsea Cheese Factory (Stockton), Roddens Truck Stop (Galena), Montgomery Wards and Roadway until his retirement in 1998.

Gerry most enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, dog (Tuffy) and helping his son Tim on the family farm. He also loved working on and rebuilding Ford Model “A” cars, hunting deer and chopping wood.  His days were full with visits from his family who always enjoyed the stories about ‘growing up on the farm’ with his brothers and sister.

Gerry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Karen; sons, Terry (Ami) Freese, Tim (Chrissy) Freese, both of Menominee, IL, and daughters, Tamara (Eric) Sanderson of Dubuque, and Michelle Amy Freese (Sean)of Menominee, IL; grandchildren, Jared Freese, of Menominee, IL, Grant Sanderson, of North Liberty, IA,  Laine Sanderson (Nate) of Dubuque, IA, Abbey Freese (Parker), Isabelle Freese (Tanner) and Audrianne Freese of Menominee, step-grandson Chance Lyden, brother Tyrone Freese (Jeannie) of East Dubuque Il, and his dog ‘Tuffy’ a wolf miniature Pomeranian that was his best friend for the past three years.

Gerry was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Jim Freese, Eugene Freese, sister Evonne Crim, daughter-in-law, Susie Freese, grandson R.J. Shanley and Holly, his Pomeranian.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©