Leo "Barney" Freese Obituary

Leo "Barney"
Freese
    
    Leo Joseph “Barney” Freese, 89, of Lake City, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015 at Mayo Clinic Health System - Lake City Care Center.  
    He was born Nov. 25, 1926 in Wabasha to Leo and Mary (Schrieber) Freese. He grew up there and graduated from St. Felix High School in 1944. Barney joined the U.S. Army in 1945 and served in the Pacific Theater during WWII until he was discharged in 1946. He then attended Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis where he received a degree in architectural engineering. Barney married Sarah Sheehan Sept.  7, 1953 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lake City. He worked at Ellerbie Architects for 12 years until they returned to Lake City in 1964, where he opened Freese Liquor. Barney was a member of St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, the Lake City VFW Post 8729, Lake City American Legion Post 110, the Knights of Columbus Council 1865, and the St. Joseph Society. He was also a past commander on the Wabasha American Legion Post 50.
    He is survived by two daughters, Mary Kay Johnson of Lake City and Sally (Dennis) Mueller of Winona; two sons, Patrick (Katie) Freese of Coon Rapids and Bill Freese of Apple Valley; eight grandchildren; and nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah; his parents; and a sister, Mary Ann Reck.
    Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015 at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church with Fr. Joseph Pete officiating.  Burial was at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Military honors were performed by Lake City VFW Post 8729 and American Legion Post 110.  
    Mahn Family Funeral Home, Anderson-Peterson Chapel - Lake City was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be sent at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.