John Ernst Freund

John Ernst Freund, 83, of Paradise Valley, passed away peacefully at his home on August 14, 2004. A Fellow of the American Statistical Association, Professor Freund was a passionate educator and prolific author of textbooks in the field of Probability and Statistics. His first book, "Modern Elementary Statistics" was published in 1952, and is presently in use in its 11th edition. John was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1921, and as a young man emigrated to Palestine (then a British mandate). He began college at the University of London; but completed his undergraduate study at UCLA, where he met his wife Maxine. Graduate years were spent at Columbia University and the University of Pittsburgh. Professor Freund began his teaching career at Alfred University, in upper-state NY, and ultimately taught at ASU. His approach to Statistics as a way of thinking, and as such a refinement of everyday thinking, produced many best-selling texts for various levels and fields of applications. Professor Freund enjoyed a worldwide reputation and his books were widely translated. His wife, Maxine, of 55 years survives him. A son, Douglas Eric lives in Jerome, AZ., with his wife Tracy; and a second son, John Ernst Jr. lives in Seattle, WA. A sister, Rita Ewer, of Lynnfield, MA, preceded him in death. Professor Freund loved the Arizona desert and its flora. He particularly enjoyed boojums and was proud of his garden. The family wishes to express its gratitude to Hospice of the Valley, to which memorial contributions may be made. Arrangements by Messinger Indian School Mortuary.