John C. Frees (1881-1942)

FREES

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 12/7/2008 at 19:54:33

John C. Frees 1881-1942

John Frees, 61, merchant here for more than 20 years died at his home Monday evening following a six month illness. He retired from the grocery and mercantile business here about six months ago, selling out to charley Harris.

Funeral services were held from the First Lutheran church Wednesday at 2 pm with the Rev. Joseph Gerlt officiating. Burial was in Graceland cemetery.

He was born in Schlewsig-Holstein, Germany, December 17, 1881, the son of Henry Frees and Anna Tiedmann Frees. He came to America and Avoca when a young man and was employed in the Diederich store. About twenty years ago, Mr. Frees started his own general merchandise business in the store now occupied by the Harris market and the post office.

Although Mr. Frees has been in failing health for more than a year it has been only about two weeks that he was unable to get about.

He is survived by his widow, his mother, three brothers, Asmos Frees of Harlan, Chris Frees of Dietrich, Idaho’ Henry Frees of Irwin; and two sisters: Mrs. Henry Behrens of Avoca and Mrs. Mary Rash of Englewood, California. Three brothers and a sister preceded him in death.

John Frees was a real booster for Avoca and was always interested in bettering the community. He will be missed not only by his family and friends, but by his business associates and the entire community.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald