James Edward Freytag

James E. “Pete” Freytag, age 89, passed away on December 19, 2025, in Palm Coast, Florida. Born February 13, 1936, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Pete lived a life shaped by curiosity, service, generosity, and a deep devotion to family and community.

Pete grew up in Williams Bay and Lake Geneva area of Wisconsin, where his lifelong love of sailing began. As a young man, he spent countless hours on the water and was an active member of the Lake Geneva Yacht Club—experiences that fostered his appreciation for teamwork, discipline, and mentorship. He was the son of William and Marion Freytag and was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Bill “Smiles” Freytag and Joan Perrigo.

A graduate of Williams Bay High School, Pete went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He graduated in 1956 and was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Following college, Pete served his country in the United States Army and National Guard, retiring with the rank of Captain.

On August 6, 1983, Pete married the love of his life, Sue Freytag, with whom he shared more than four decades of partnership, faith, and service.

Pete built a long and distinguished career with State Farm Insurance Company in Bloomington, Illinois. He retired in 2000 as Vice President of Common Stocks, concluding a career marked by integrity and professional excellence.

In retirement, Pete and Sue ultimately made their home in Palm Coast, Florida. There, Pete embraced the philosophy he lived by: “It’s important to give back to the community that you live in.” Together, they became deeply involved in numerous philanthropic efforts, including support for Flagler College—where they sponsored professorships, the Flagler County Education Foundation’s Take Stock in Children program, the Freytag Children’s Rehabilitation Center, and long-standing support of the AdventHealth Hospital System. Their generosity culminated in the opening of the Freytag Cancer Center in 2025, a legacy that will benefit countless individuals for generations to come.

Pete was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Nothing brought him greater joy than his family. He is survived by his wife, Sue; his children Jim Freytag (Chris) of Wayzata, Minnesota; Bob Freytag (Kathryn) of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; Bart Doubet (Anne) of Denver, Colorado; and Jennifer Kephart (Jason) of Lenexa, Kansas. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Nicholas Freytag, Matthew Freytag (Ellie), Chloe Rosete (Christian), Sam Doubet, John Freytag, Charlie Doubet, Aaron Kephart, Max Freytag, and Megan Kephart; and great-granddaughter, Aura Rosete.

Beyond his professional and philanthropic pursuits, Pete embraced life fully. He loved golf—famously shooting his age at 85—reading history, traveling, and staying active. He and Sue were devoted members of Hammock Community Church. Pete will be remembered as a thoughtful, wise, generous, and quietly determined planner who believed in doing things the right way and helping others along their journey.

A private family burial will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A Celebration of Life will take place on what would have been his 90th birthday. Gathering will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 12:00pm - 1:00pm at Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home, 511 Old Kings Road South, Flagler Beach, FL 32136, with a service being celebrated at 1:00pm.

He is remembered for his love for his family, his positive impact on the communities he strengthened, and the countless people whose lives he touched and influenced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Freytag Cancer Center at AdventHealth Memorial Hospital (www.AdventHealth.com/PalmCoastGive - select FREYTAG CHILDREN’S REHAB on the dropdown– a video of the Children’s Rehab can be viewed at https://vimeopro.com/user8205730/freytag) or the Flagler County Education Foundation – Take Stock in Children (https://www.flagleredfoundation.org/what-we-do/peter-sue-freytag-take-stock-in-children.html).