Raymond "Ray" L. Freese

Raymond L. “Ray” Freese was born on April 30, 1945, in Hampton, IA to parents J. Frederick “Fritz” and Dorothy (Becker) Freese.

He went to school in Geneva, IA and graduated from Ackley Geneva High School in 1963. He went to business school in Mason City, IA.

He married Karen Nienoord and together they had three sons: Kendall, Kevin (deceased), and Kent. They later divorced.

He married Julie (Polley) Freese on April 22, 1972. They have two sons: Brandon (Mandy) and Beau (Jill).

His early years were spent managing a King Loan Office in Clinton, IA and then in Sioux City. He was then employed with a civil engineering firm for several years where he was a Project Manager. He also sold cars at Budget Motors. After retirement, he delivered for ‘A Step In Thyme’ florist until they closed.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years Julie; son, Kendall; son, Kent; son, Brandon (Mandy Johnson) and their children: Fletcher (Abbie), Chloe (Riley), and Lillian; son, Beau (Jill Copple) along with their sons: Connor and Dominic; great grandchildren: Beatrix and Lennon; one sister, Ronda Daniels of Ackley, IA; brothers-in-law: George Polley and Joe Toresdahl; sister-in-law, Sharon Polley; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fritz and Dorothy Freese; in-laws, Tod and Monica Polley; son, Kevin; brothers-in-law: Galen Daniels and Joe Polley; and sisters-in-law: Rose Mary Toresdahl and Karen Polley.

The family would like to thank the staff at June E. Nylen Cancer Center and especially the nurses and staff at St. Luke’s UnityPoint 4th floor oncology and the ICU North for the wonderful care and kindness shown to Ray and family.