Ralph Junior Freese, son of Ralph H. and Grace M. (Fischer) Freese was born June 16, 1934, in Wall Lake, IA. He was one of ten children to be born of this union.  He attended Crawford County Country School and Wall Lake High School.  From there, Ralph enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on September 6, 1955, completing his training in California.  He served his country as a baker while stationed in Okinawa, Japan.  He was honorably discharged on September 5, 1961, and returned to his home in Wall Lake. 

   Ralph was united in marriage to Linda Lou Jetter on October 19, 1962 in Wall Lake. This union was blessed with four children; Ralph W., Carmen, Brian and Brent.

   Ralph worked hard to provide for his family.  He was a farm hand for the Larson Brother’s in Kiron for 15 years.  After several back surgeries that left him unable to work for four years, Ralph became a night watch guard and truck driver for Boyer Valley Chemical Company of Wall Lake.  He enjoyed fishing and camping, playing cards, and his antique tractor which he drove in local parades.  But more that these, he loved spending time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He will be remembered for his selfless acts of kindness and generosity, along with his infectious laugh and sense of humor.

   Ralph was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, VFW, and American Legion of Wall Lake.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

   Ralph passed away peacefully on January 4, 2018, at Twilight Acres Nursing Home in Wall Lake, IA at the age of 83 years, 6 months and 19 days.  Preceding him in death are his parents, Ralph H. and Grace Freese; brothers: Harvey, Virgil, Lester and Leonard; and sister Delores Bartlet.

   Left to cherish Ralph’s memory include his wife, Linda Freese; children: Ralph William Freese of Wall Lake,  Carmen (Chris) Brotherton of Lake View, Brian Freese of Wall Lake and Brent Freese of Des Moines; grandchildren: Kyle Freese, Taylor Kobka, Amanda (Taylor) Bengford, Aaron Brotherton, Hannah Brotherton, Ralph John Freese, Scott Freese, Brylee Freese and Dylan Freese; great-grandchildren: Keldon Jo Freese and Sadie and Lanni Bengford; sisters: Katie Lamaak of Wall Lake, Gracie Wollesen of Wall Lake and Pearl Kelly of San Diego, CA; brother Bobby Freese of Lake View; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.