FREED, George 1857-1935

FREED, MEYERS

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 1/3/2011 at 12:53:45

George W. Freed, a resident of Melrose township since 1868, died at his home there at 3 o'clock last Saturday morning. He had been sick for about three weeks with intestinal trouble. He had undergone an operation for strangulation of the bowel some twenty-five years ago and it was thought that a new inflammation had occurred at the seat of his former trouble. Mr. Freed had not been well for some months. He suffered a fall on the stairs at his home early last spring from the effects of which, owing to his advanced years, he never fully recovered.

He is survived by Mrs. Freed, who was Miss Ida Meyers, sister of Joe Meyers of this city; and by his sons, Robert and Leo and his brother Frank of Grundy Center.

Funeral services for Mr. Freed were held at the Ivester church Sunday afternoon at 2:30. Burial was in the Ivester cemetery.

George, son of Adam and Susan Freed, was born at Elkhart, Ind., Jan. 29, 1857, and passed away at his home in the Ivester community Aug. 3, 1935, aged 78 years, 6 mo. and 5 days. Mr. Freed had undergone a great deal of sickness and misfortune in his lifetime, but he always carried on bravely and was happy in his station in life until the end.

When a small child he moved with his parents to Lee county, Ill., where they resided for a few years and then came to Grundy county, Ia., in 1868, where he spent the rest of his life, never living more than a few miles from Ivester. The past 35 years were spent in the farm home where his death occurred. He was a member of a family of ten children, 5 boys and 5 girls, all having preceded him in death except one brother, Frank, of Grundy Center.

On Feb. 25, 1898, he was united in marriage to Ida Meyers. To this union were born two sons, Robert and Leo, both of the Ivester community. He is survived by his companion, two sons, 7 grandchildren, whom he loved so dearly and in whom he found so much satisfaction, his brother Frank and a large group of relatives and friends.

As a young man he became a member of the Alice Church of God in which relationship he was a devoted Christian and was interested in the welfare of the church and the Kingdom. In 1926 he transferred his church membership to the Ivester Church of the Brethren, in which community he lived. To this Christian fellowship he gave his loyal devotion and best interest. His buoyant spirit, his pleasant smile and his rapt attention will be greatly missed by his pastor and those with whom he worshiped.

"Uncle George" as he was affectionately known by many, was a man of unbounded energy. Never happier than when he was busy about life's tasks as they came to him. He gave unselfishly of his best to his family and his neighbors and friends. It sometimes seemed that there were more than his share of losses and misfortunes which crossed his path, but he never spoke about those things, but kept bravely moving forward to the completion of a successful life. He will be very greatly missed by his companion, with whom he was a real partner, and his sons and grandchildren and daughters-in-law to whom he was a loving and indulgent father and grandfather, and by all who know him for his smile of encouragement and his generous spirit. As he has flung his torch to us may we carry it high.