It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of CW4 Kenneth (Ken) Lloyd Freese, US Army Retired, on March 23, 2025. Ken was born at home near Breda, IA, in Carroll County on August 20, 1927. He was the fourth of five children born to John and Katie Freese. He spent his early years moving with his family to Utah and Washington before returning to Iowa to finish high school. Upon graduation in May 1945, he entered the US Merchant Marine. While in the Merchant Marine he made several trips back and forth to Great Britain. In the fall of 1945, he returned home to be drafted but World War II had ended so he did not get drafted.
While in high school, Ken met the love of his life, Vesta Ann Keiser. Ken and Vesta were married on September 12, 1948. Ken was working for Lane-Moore Lumber Yard in Blairsburg, IA, where they set up their home. Ken enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard in June 1948. In January 1950, Ken was offered a full-time position with the Army National Guard in Le Mars, IA. In Le Mars, they welcomed the birth of three sons, Ricky in 1955, Gary in 1959, and Timothy in 1961.
In May 1968, Ken was mobilized for active duty. The family moved to Fort Carson, CO, but returned to Le Mars in January 1969 when Ken was ordered to service in the Republic of Vietnam. He served in Vietnam until November 1969. Upon his return, he resumed his full-time position with the Army National Guard, taking a promotion and moving the family to Sioux City, IA. In 1972, Ken was promoted to CW2, receiving credit for past time as a warrant officer. In 1976, Ken changed positions and moved to Camp Dodge in Johnston, IA, to become an auditor in the Internal Review Section of the United States Property and Fiscal Office. He continued his service in the Army National Guard until retiring as a CW4 in August of 1987.
Moving to Lake View, IA, in retirement, Ken and Vesta spent several years remodeling their retirement home while splitting their time between Iowa in the summer and South Texas in the winter. They enjoyed retirement, spending time with family and friends in Iowa and Texas. In 2008, they sold their house in Iowa and moved to Harlingen, TX, full-time. While in Texas, they spent time with friends and traveling. They enjoyed playing and calling bingo with the local Elks Club. In Harlingen, they attended a local Presbyterian Church and volunteered at the food pantry.
In 2015, Ken and Vesta moved to Boulder, CO, to be closer to their son Tim. Declining health forced them into a facility in Longmont, CO. Vesta passed away in November 2019. Ken remained in Longmont until April 2021 when he moved to Richmond Hill, GA, to live with his son Rick.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Vesta Ann; brothers Harvey and Marvin Freese; sister Ruth Daggett; sisters-in-law Marie Freese and Marjorie Freese; brothers-in-law Maynard Daggett and Robert Nansteel.
Ken is survived by his sister Gertrude Nansteel of Lake View, IA; sons SGM (Retired) Ricky Freese and wife Leasa of Richmond Hill, GA; COL (Retired) Gary Freese and wife Peggy of Johnston, IA; and Dr. Timothy Freese and wife Agnes of Lafayette, CO; seven grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge, 7105 NW 70th Ave, Johnston, IA 50131 in memory of Ken.
