Clarence Freese

Clarence C. Freese, 81, formerly of Gilman and Sully, passed from this life on Sunday evening, March 13, 2016 at Park Centre in Newton. Clarence was born in Haverhill, Iowa to Edward and Alvina (Klaas) Freese on March 4, 1935. He Attended St. Marys Catholic School in Marshalltown, where he graduated with the Class of 1952. Clarence served his country with the U.S. Army, spending time in Germany Being an Half Track Driver for the 2nd Armored Cavalry. He was honorably discharged in 1955. On June 30, 1956, Clarence was untied in marriage to Janet Marilyn Burns. They resided in Marshalltown for several years before moving to the Gilman area where he started his career as a farmer alongside his father-in-law, Layton Burns. Clarence retired from farming in 1998 and began a new career as a welder for Co-Line Welding in Sully. Upon retiring from Co-Line, Clarence enjoyed camping and fishing with his wife, along with following the activities of his family, which usually was a drag racing event. Clarence is survived by his daughter, Tana (Dale) Brand of Sully; grandsons Eric (Faye) Brand of Lynnville and Cory (Heidi) Brand of Searsboro; great-grandchildren Carter, Abigail, Braxton, Breckyn, Brooks and Briar; brother, Elmer (Priscilla) Freese of Marshalltown and sister-in-law, Janice Jo Freese Schroeder of Grinnell, his niece Cindy and nephews, Jerry, Doug, Randy, and Marty. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Janet on May 14, 2013; his son, Clarence Robert in infancy and brother, Jerome Freese in 2009. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 17, 2016 at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown, with the family present from 5 7:00 p.m. A joint memorial service for Clarence and Janet will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday March 19, 2016 at the funeral home with burial following at Prairie View Cemetery in Gilman, with a luncheon following at the Gilman American Legion.