Freeman M. Votruba

Freeman Mathew Votruba, 94, passed away on December 15, 2015. There will be an Honors Ceremony at the Houston National Cemetery at 10401 Veterans Memorial Drive in Houston, Texas on Friday, January 8th at 2:15 pm. A catered reception will follow at The Heritage Assisted Living Center in the Gym room from 3:30 - 4:30 at 1221 Graham Drive in Tomball.

Freeman was born October 2, 1921 in Des Moines, Iowa to Arthur and Mayme (Bass) Votruba. He graduated North High School where he was a lineman on the football team. His senior year, their team won the State Championship and he was offered a full ride scholarship to college. Following High School he joined the National Guard. At age, 21, on Dec. 22, 1942 he became a Seabee in the 75th Construction Battalion Company C of the United States Navy. He served 3 years in WWII in the south pacific islands and was honorably discharged on October 12, 1945. He was a drummer and played in several bands and with one of them for 10 years with Jim Wangemann and The Merri-Makers from the early 70’s – 80’s. They played big band, German, Croatian, and Italian music. He played for the governor of Iowa, Iowa State Fair, legion halls, ballrooms, etc. Freeman worked for Meredith Publishing Company as a Lead Pressman for 40+ years. After retirement he was actively involved at the Des Moines Northside Senior Center as President. He spent many years camping in his camper and fishing from his boat in Branson and would spend winter months in Port Isabelle,Texas along with other Iowa snowbirds friends. He loved to ride his motorcycle. He traveled all 50 states, cruised and enjoyed retirement. He was a friendly, social, fun and outgoing man. Always happy and enjoyed life to the fullest. In 2008, age 87, he moved to Texas to live with his daughter Linda and to be near grandchildren. After Linda passed away in 2014 he lived in Assisted Living Center for 16 months. He will be greatly missed by all.

Freeman was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Amy Louise Exline and their two children, James Edward Votruba, and Linda Sue Ollis; and his second wife Blanche Laura Votruba, married 40+ years. He is survived by his son-in-law Daniel Ollis; grandchildren, Pamela (John) Beckman and Deborah (Louis) Holub and four great-grandchildren, Zachary, Derek, Lyndsay Beckman and Jennifer Arter; and his sister Margaret Ryon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Freeman’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Online obituary and condolences may be expressed at www.brooksidechampions.com