Michael Henry Freund

Mike Freund was a gentle force of nature, a kind gentleman. He lived a life of career accomplishment, civic pride, community involvement, and devotion to family and friends. A 5th generation St. Louisan, Mike felt deeply committed to the people, places, and organizations around him. He served prominently on boards of directors ranging from Edison Brothers Stores, Inc. and Temple Emanuel to United Way, Junior Achievement, Central Institute for the Deaf, Washington University Medical Center, Westwood Country Club -- and many more.

Mike had several successful chapters in his career. He started at Freund Baking Company, as a 5th generation owner, from 1963 to 1969, and loved to tell stories about the company’s storied past -- including its important role in feeding General Grant’s Union troops. Mike next joined Edison Brothers Stores, Inc. in 1969, rising to Executive Vice President before his retirement in 1998. From there, he became Director of University Special Development Projects for Alumni & Development Programs at Washington University in St. Louis until mid-2018.

What truly defined Mike’s life was his warmth and genuine generosity of spirit. He avidly maintained long relationships with dear friends from all chapters of his life. He knew someone in every room he entered. Mike was friendly, gregarious and kind, and was blessed with a special intelligence for connecting people for their mutual benefit. His social calendar was always full -- and he would have it no other way. He brought people together into lasting relationships and cheered on their every endeavor. Although separated geographically, Mike remained closely connected with his lovely brothers and sisters-in-law, Henry (“Hap”) & Claudia and John & Penny, as well as with his former wife, Barbie G. Freund, and his brilliant nephews, Christopher (Phung) Freund, Zach (Rachel) Freund, and Willy (Amy) Chotzen and their beautiful families.

Mike should be most remembered for the incredible love and devotion he had for his family. Always ready with a family story and history from across the years, he was the constant, caring, and steady presence that made his children and grandchildren feel seen, safe, and deeply beloved. His children, Nan (Steve) Fox, Bill Freund, and Candace (Mark) Anderson, and his grandchildren, Sophia, Dylan, Wyatt, Ella, and Oliver Fox and Lilly and Lauren Anderson, will forever remember the warmth, love, humor and kind disposition of the wonderful father and grandfather who brightened their lives in every way.

May Michael’s memory forever be a blessing to those who loved him as much as he loved them.

Memorial service Sunday February 15 at 10:30am, Temple Emanuel, 12166 Conway Road, Creve Coeur, MO 63141. Private interment will follow. Shiva will be held 2pm – 6pm at Ritz Carlton Clayton, in the Solarium on the 2nd floor.

In lieu of flowers, please treat yourself to Ted Drewes in Mike’s honor! If you wish, please send memorial donations to a charity of your choice or to one of the worthwhile institutions cited above.