Don Freyer

Don is survived by his wife, Alene (Norton) Freyer; children, Anne (Rich Mendribil) McCluskey of Arizona, Thom ( Andrea Swanson) Freyer of Illinois, David Freyer of California and Kelley (Christopher) Reis of Georgia; and sibling Joan (Robert) Miller in Iowa. His legacy of perseverance and courage continues within 9 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and amazingly 1 great-great-grandchild.

Don was born on March 6, 1925 in Galva, Iowa, to Carl and Bertha Freyer. He grew up in a loving home built by hardworking parents with 3 siblings, Douglas, Chuck, and Joan. He served in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946, stationed on the USS Lizardfish as a 2nd Class Electrician’s Mate, earning a Submarine Combat Pin with two stars for his service in the Asiatic Pacific American area during World War II. Taking full advantage of the GI Bill, Don graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Business before marrying the love of his life Alene Norton, a Registered Dietician, in 1948.Starting as a telegraph operator; he worked for the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, as did his father. He and Alene decided to move to Chicago to be where the opportunities were. Don was with the railroad for 43 years and earned a long standing role on the executive team until his well-earned retirement. Don and Alene raised four children, teaching them to be industrious, responsible and compassionate citizens. His children remember him as a generous provider who encouraged them to pursue their goals with passion.

Don was an active community member everywhere his family resided and a dedicated member of the Methodist Church, holding various leadership positions during his lifetime. He was passionate about supporting the education of women and disadvantaged children. Don helped establish a scholarship fund at Cottey College owned by the P.E.O. Sisterhood and supported the postsecondary education of several children through faithful donations to World’s Children. In his retirement, Don enjoyed countless rounds of golf making friends on greens around the country.

Don was a devoted husband, father and friend who exceeded expectations throughout his life, while motivating others to do the same. The evangelist John Wesley sums up Don’s approach to life nicely: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”

A memorial will be conducted Friday, July 17, 2015 at Sun Lakes Methodist Church, with a reception following. Dr. Julian Pickens will officiate the ceremony, with all welcomed to attend in celebration of Don’s life. Don’s family will lay him to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Cottey College (https://www.cottey.edu/peo/gift-opportunities) referencing specifically the Don and Alene Freyer Scholarship. Condolences can be sent to [email protected]. Don’s family would like to thank the caregiving staff at both The Renaissance and Dobson Home | Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate care and dedication.