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Donevon Louis "Don" Freis

1947 - 2020

Donevon Louis "Don" Freis obituary, 1947-2020, Wauwatosa, WI

BORN

1947

DIED

2020

Donevon Freis Obituary

Donevon Louis "Don" Freis

Wauwatosa - Donevon Louis Freis, 'Don', 73, of Wauwatosa, WI passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on December 15, 2020, after a brief battle with cancer and a debilitating stroke. Don was born June 9, 1947 in Milwaukee, to the late Ann and Louis Freis, and grew up in Stephenson, MI. He was a 1965 graduate of Stephenson High School, and he went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.

Don began his career at Schlitz Brewing Co. in Milwaukee, working as the Office Facilities Manager, and this is also where he met his wife Tracy.

He then worked at Marquette Electronics as the Manager of Office Services. His Marquette co-workers were more like family, and many became lifelong friends.

Don finished his career at Portal Inc., in Grafton, where he was the Business and Operations Manager. He loved this job so much, and truly felt he was making a difference with his work.

Don was a fun-loving, gregarious man with a humble ingenuity and many unique skills and hobbies. He enjoyed spending his time at the family cottage in the U.P., doing home renovations, reading, helping others, and was a proud Green Bay Packers shareholder.

When he retired, he enjoyed taking early morning walks with his dog, and doing the daily sudoku and crossword puzzle before starting his day. He was also rebuilding a 1971 Chevy truck.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Tracy, his three children from a previous marriage, Brian (Claudia McCalla) of Mobile, AL, Jason (Honey) and granddaughters Ruby and Olivia, of Allen, TX, and Sarah Edelstein (Mike) of Chicago, IL, his brother Darrell (Jan) of Plover, WI, and his sister Cheri Leiphart (Tim) of Stephenson, MI. He is also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, and many loving friends and neighbors.

Per Don's request, there will be no public memorial service. Those wishing to honor his life can make a donation to Portal, Inc in Grafton, WI.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Dec. 16 to Dec. 18, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
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Jerry Hittman

December 30, 2020

My deepest sympathy to you, i went to school with Donny. Some of the fondest memories were are Basketball playing day. One memory I have was when school was called because of ice Don, Tom Raboine, Glen Corey and i went to Menominee to drive around. On one of the street corners Tom was going around the corner and skidded into the curb and bent the rear stabilizer bar. Thank God Don got a hold of the shop and git one of the guys to come down and tow Tom´s dad car home.

Scott Szapa

December 26, 2020

I sincerely offer my deepest condolences to the family of Don Fries. He was a classmate, musician, humorist and friend.
We came from two dealership families. I so remember staying at his house being a real Icebreaker to being great friends between everyone.
I greatest memory was playing music together at the 1963 Shakey Lakes Dairy Day work Melvin Buckmaster. He asked me what key are we playing in? I said what difference does it make to a partially imbibed audience.
Rest in peace my good friend Frenchy. Your infectious smile will be missed.
Zap

Juleen Jaeger

December 18, 2020

Don was a great guy to work with. He was always willing to do anything for anyone. Tracy, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am honored to say that I knew him.

Nancy Nichols

December 18, 2020

I will miss Don and his ability to fix anything. Being his neighbor for more than 20 years has been a privilege. Love to Tracy and family

Joe Krueger

December 18, 2020

I worked with Don and Tracy at Schlitz, they have left me with incredible memories I have taken throughout my life. I celebrate Don's life and the happiness he gave us.

Linda Chiles

December 18, 2020

He leaves good memories for his children, grandchildren, and other family members

Lynne Johnson

December 17, 2020

Din´s sense of humor would make my day along with a cup of hot coffee laced with his favorite chocolate milk. I will miss him dearly. Much love to Tracy and his family.

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