PATRICIA FREESE

PATRICIA FREESE 06/22/1936 -11/15/2025 Pat was born on June 22, 1936, to Paul and Carrie (Jerve) Lauritsen of Montevideo. She grew up on their farm and attended country school until she transferred to Montevideo schools, graduating in 1954. She married Harvey Freese of Maynard on September 3, 1955. She and Harvey had three children, Roxene, Myles, and Crystal. She loved raising her children, being involved in school activities, Homemakers Club, and having coffee with neighbors. Pat was an excellent seamstress and spent many hours searching for the right pattern and fabric before making many garments for herself and her children. She always received many compliments on her beautiful outfits for holidays for herself and her daughters. Mother/daughter Easter dresses were a favorite. Her handiwork was also apparent on Myles's embroidered shirts of the early 70s! Eventually the multiple sclerosis took away her sewing and needlework skills, but she always loved style and had lots of it! But having a lake place near Alexandria was a real joy for Pat and Harvey and they spent over 20 years enjoying Lake Villard and their neighbors there. Over those years, they also traveled several times to Las Vegas and Lawrence Welk Resort in San Diego which they really enjoyed. But a two-week trip to Alaska to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary was their favorite! As Pat would laugh and say, "We had a Ball!" Pat loved to travel and see new things, but always liked to come home to the house she loved and her beloved "kitties." Cats loved her and she loved them. On September 23, Pat fell at home breaking four ribs which required a hospital stay and some rehabilitation at Luther Haven. Over the next seven weeks there was another fall and her health declined. She passed away from this life on November 15 at Montevideo Hospital. Her nurses were incredible and gave her and her family all the comforts possible. Her family is incredibly grateful for that care. Her husband, Harvey, cared for her with endless love and attention for many years and was by her side almost every minute of those last days. Visitors were restricted to immediate family and all were able to spend precious moments saying goodbye to our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. She was selfless with anything she had including her heart. We are all better people because of her. Her final wish was that her body be donated to science for the greater good and perhaps even insight into her rare form of MS. At such time when her remains are returned, a private memorial service will be held. She is lovingly remembered by Harvey, her husband of 70 years, three children and three grandchildren. Memorials will be given to Pat's favorite charity, St. Joseph's Indian School of Chamberlain, S.D., which supports disadvantaged Native American children.