Kent Merle Freise

Kent Merle Freise, passed away May 23, 2025, following a pancreatic cancer diagnosis 4 months earlier. Celebration of Life service will be held June 9th, 11:00 AM at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, Iowa, followed by lunch at the church.
Kent was a true patriot, man of deep faith and ultimate Boy Scout who valued, mentored and modeled integrity, honesty, accountability, hard work and service to others.
Kent was born, November 9, 1951, to Barbara Ann Thorson Freise and Merle Leonard Freise of Streator, Illinois, the first of two sons. Kent's early yeClick here for livestream of Kent's service.ars were spent on a farm, but in 1961, Kent and Randal's father passed from melanoma cancer. The family then moved to town in Ottawa, Illinois. Kent recalled significant times with his Thorson grandparents. Breakfast always started with daily devotions that instilled his Lutheran faith and summers were spent listening to Chicago Cubs baseball, which led to becoming a lifelong Cubs fan. In 1963, Kent and Randal's mother married James Gehler, a professional engineer with three younger brothers who were career Army officers. Jim was a significant influence on both boys, guiding them to academic achievement and military pursuit, with both graduating from the United States Military Academy-West Point. Kent's younger brother, Randal passed away in 1999, following his own battle with pancreatic cancer.
Kent's lifetime of Boy Scouts began in 1962 as he worked to earn his Pro Deo Et Patria-Lutheran God and Country Award. He enjoyed wilderness canoe adventures and ultimately attained the rank of Eagle Scout. As an adult, he completed leader training: becoming a trainer/mentor of other leaders, serving as den leader, cub master and eventual scoutmaster with formation of Urbandale Troop 3. He served on district and council boards and received regional recognition for outstanding contributions and commitment to scouting.
Kent graduated from Ottawa High School in 1969 with academic honors. He received nominations to multiple military academies, ultimately accepting the nomination to USMA-West Point. His West Point education included rigorous academic standards, challenging physical training and military preparation. He was a member of the rugby team. It was the honor of his life to attend West Point, graduating in 1973 and was one of his proudest achievements. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant, armor division with his first assignment at Ft. Hood, Texas. Future assignments took him to Ft. Knox, Ft. Benning and Schweinfurt, Germany (1977-1981), where he commanded tank divisions. He valued the opportunities, experiences and friendships.
He married Marie Lindon following his West Point graduation and together they had 3 children: Jamie, Meghan and Michael. In 1981, he left active duty and the family moved to Des Moines, Iowa to work for EDS. After 6 months in the private sector, he returned to the military, serving in the Iowa National Guard until 1995. Responsibilities included Inspector General, Training Officer, Mobilization Officer, Commander of the 113th Cavalry and a final assignment of special projects to deploy fiber optics throughout the IA National Guard state facilities. In 1995, he retired from the National Guard as a Colonel and began his next professional chapter, working for the State at the Iowa Communications Network, responsible for the infrastructure of the fiber optics system throughout the state.
In 2007, Kent and Edie Sowers Butler were married, starting a new chapter together. He fully embraced his bonus sons: Joe, Pete and Keith Butler. The family began to grow with many wonderful years of marriages, new grandchildren and a great-grandson. The expanding family brought "Opah" tremendous joy and pride.
2015 brought retirement, travel adventures, grand-parenting fun and time to pursue hobbies. Kent found his passion in gardening and became a Master Gardener. He planted nature's beauty at home, around the neighborhood, the community, and spent endless hours gardening at Lutheran Church of Hope. He loved sharing this gift and found much personal joy and satisfaction.
Additional retirement highlights included his #1 bucket list trip to Norway, his family homeland. He conquered the climb to the top of Pulpit Rock and took in the spectacular views. He visited the family church in Stavanger, growing in his spiritual strength. Other special travels included a trip to France and touring Normandy with his West Point classmates. Reunions and trips with his A2 company friends were extra special. In 2019, he participated in the West Point March Back and completed the 14-mile march with incoming new cadets who just completed basic training.
Kent is survived by wife, Edie; sons, Francis James (Amy Hargus) and Michael; daughter, Meghan;, grandson, Henry; granddaughter, Rylee; and great-grandson, Murphy. Also surviving are stepsons, Joe Butler (Leah), Pete Butler (Ashley); and grandchildren, Grady, Bennett, Lauren, Graham, Nora and Max Butler.
He is preceded in death by his father Merle Freise, mother Barbara Gehler, stepfather James Gehler, brother Randal, and stepson Keith Butler.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Lutheran Church of Hope. Click here for livestream of Kent's service.