Gary Lee Freeman
December 27, 2012
Gary Freeman, 74, passed away on Thursday, December 27, 2012, from complications due to heart and kidney problems, at Mercy Hospital.
Gary was born on April 3, 1938, in Des Moines, to Harry and Leona Freeman. He was employed as a machinist for 43½ years by John Deere until his retirement in 1999. Gary was also a retiree of the UAW Local 450. He was a member of Ivy Centennial UMC and Masonic Faithful Lodge #448 in Runnells. Gary enjoyed mowing the lawn and playing on the computer.
Gary is survived by his wife of 49½ years, Helen; daughters, Jennifer (Karl) Southcott and Pamela (Ty) Sonagere; grandchildren, Charles and Montgomery Southcott and Jack Sonagere; sister, Marianne (Bob Jackson) Wyatt; Pat and Peggy Owens; and a host of other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held 4:30 p.m., Thursday, January 3, 2013, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, also at the funeral home.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jim and Sue Gruber
01/07/2013
So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. You have our deepest sympathies. We will have you in our thoughts and prayers. Please call us if you should need anything.
Rose Dastmalchi
01/03/2013
I would like to express my sorrow at Uncle Gary's passing and the loss you are all experiencing now. I wish you patience & strength and extend my prayers. Love, Rose
Patricia Sonagere
01/03/2013
Helen, Pam & Jen, Just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts, as you have been throughout Gary's illness, but even more so today. Love, Pattie.
Dale & Marilyn Henderson
01/03/2013
Our heartfelt sympathies to all of Gary's family. We have all of you in our prayers.
Friends of Charlie and Cindee
Don Beattie
01/02/2013
Helen Lou, Jenny and Pam. I am so sorry for your loss. I just heard. Gary was a tremendous individual and my friend and relative. He will be missed
Bob and Bev Wheeler,Ankeny,IA
01/01/2013
Helen and all the Freeman family. We want to express our sympathy for your great loss. Gary and I were both east siders, but Gary went Tech High School and I went to East,we remained great friends during our highschool years. Gary was a great guy, and will missed by many. Our prayers will be with you and your family.
Ron Wheeler, Cedar Falls, IA
12/31/2012
Helen and family, plus Marrianne:
I want to offer my deepest sympathy to all of you on Gary's death. Gary and I were very close when we carried the two DM newspapers on the same route for over three years back in the mid 50's. Gary carried the morning and I carried the evening. Every Thursday night, we'd spent over two hours together 'collecting' the money owed us from about 100 customers. Just a few years later, while Gary was working at John Deere, I think he had a big impact on me choosing to go to work for John Deere - for over 36 years, retiring in Waterloo, IA. also in 1999. I'm sure Gary will be greatly missed. I wish you all God's blessings as you face this difficult time.
Christine (Schwartz) Minks
12/31/2012
Helen, Pam & Jen, I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was a great man, who loved you all very much. You all are in my thoughts and prayers, and you have my deepest sympathy. God bless you all.
Ron Pardekooper
12/30/2012
Helen & family,
Please know that you are all in our prayers.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Ron & Sue
Jodi Allen
12/30/2012
Pam and family I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I will forever remember his daily calls in college!!! Hang in there, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!!
Jeanette Cashatt
12/30/2012
I am so sorry for your great loss you have my deepest sympathy. Helen hang in there it is a whole new normal. Will be praying for you and your family.
Love,
Jeanette
Troy Lee
12/30/2012
Helen and the Freeman family. We are so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. After he retired he worked for me at Earl May and was not only a great worker, but a even better person to have around to talk to. I loved the way he took care of his vehicles. Our prayers are with you!
Tony and JoAnn Ward
12/30/2012
Helen and family, So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I enjoyed working with Gary at the union and we were hoping to see you all at the Christmas party, but it was not to be. Our prayers are with you!
John and Cindy Mertens
12/29/2012
Freeman family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Gary was such a wonderful friend to my dad and to our family for so many years. Please know that you are in our prayers during this very difficult time. Cindy (Lonnie and Anne's daughter)
Bill and Mary Morlan
12/29/2012
Our condolences to the Freeman family. Bill attributes his job at Deere to Gary and has never forgotten the help he received from him. We were so sorry to hear about Gary's passing. May memories comfort you. Memories keep the one you loved close to you in spirit and thought and always in your heart. Thinking of you with sympathy - the Morlan family