Ellis Joseph Freitag

Ellis always had a heart for service and followed where God called. The 7th of 8 children, he spent time during his young adulthood at the Maryknoll Brotherhood in New York preparing to become a missionary. He was later called to leave that life of service and begin another as a family man and a Houston Police Officer where he served for 24 years. During that time he helped many children while serving in the department's Child Abuse Division. He also served at the University of Houston Catholic Center, guiding many students in faith.

In 2004 Ellis was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He never sat sadly or resigned himself to this diagnosis, but charged forward to fight bravely, always thinking about how he could serve others through research and therapies that might later help those diagnosed with the same illness.

Ellis was preceded in death by his father Gus H. Freitag, his mother Ruth (nee Kizer) Freitag, sister Jean Stone, and sister Jane Ford. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan (nee Birkel) Freitag, son Eric (Erika), daughter Ann-Marie (Michael) Driver, grandchildren Christian, Lucas, and Violet Freitag and Blaise and Stasia Driver, brothers Gus (Rhoda) Freitag, Gilbert (Virginia) Freitag, Gregory (Doris) Freitag; sisters Evelyn Harrison and Juanita Ankenbruck; and many nephews and nieces.

Visitation and Rosary will be held Sunday, April 3, 2016 from 5-8pm at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home. The mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, April 4, 2016 at 10 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in Ellis' name to The Houston Area Parkinson's Society (HAPS), 2700 Southwest Freeway, Suite 296, Houston, TX 77098. Ellis was known to say that HAPS saved his life.

My brothers, consider it a great joy when trials of many kinds come upon you, for you well know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance (James 1: 2-3)