Leroy Freske

Leroy "Lee" Freske, of Ogilvie, MN passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024. Lee's legacy is one of love, laughter, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from living 92 years of full, unfiltered life.
Lee was born July 10, 1932, in Vining, MN, to Roy and Catherine "Kate Kraemer" Freske. Lee was born the seventh child of ten. After having six consecutive girls, Roy was relieved to finally have a boy. Lee attended the Freske School House. He attended school up to eighth grade; he was then expected to work on the farm.
In 1950 Lee chose to enlist in the United States Navy. In 1951 he went to Great Lakes Naval Base for basic training. He spent his time in the Navy as Petty Officer 2nd Class, E5, he was active duty at sea as a Master Gunner on the USS Chara during the Korean conflict.
Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, he was united in marriage with Judith "Judy Tauber" on June 21, 1956. Both Lee and Judy were very work oriented, and they had big dreams. They resided in a small Minneapolis apartment while Lee attended Dunwoody to obtain his education in machining. In 1958 Lee and Judy bought a house in Brooklyn Center where they were blessed with three beautiful daughters: Sheila, Sandra, and Susan. Sheila sadly passed away in 1971. In 1968, Lee, Judy, and the girls acquired a cabin on Ann Lake north of Ogilvie. They spent their summers boating, skiing, fishing, laughing, and entertaining family and friends- cold ones were always plentiful. He always sang "In heaven there is no beer, which is why we drink it here!"
After 23 years of marriage Lee and Judy divorced but remained connected through love for their daughters. Lee worked up until 1995 when he retired from Dana Corporation as a machinist. Lee then decided to give the cabin a complete renovation and turn it into a beautiful lake home.
Lee was an active and lifetime member of the American Legion, VFW, and Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Lee spent his life proving that patience, a good beer, and a trusty Ford are all you need to live a fulfilling life-and that if the fish aren't biting, at least the beer is cold.
His legacy of laughter, wisdom, and perfectly timed advice will be missed more than even his famous homemade sauerkraut. His absence will be a reminder of the wisdom, kindness, and warmth he brought to our lives, leaving us all the richer for having known him. At 92, Lee closed the final chapter in his life on this earth which was written with precision, passion, and humor-a true masterpiece, just like the man himself. Prost to a life well lived!
Lee was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Sheila, former wife Judy Tauber, siblings, Mark Freske, Evelyn (Frank) llletscko, Clementine (Ben) Thoennes, Lorraine (Myron) Hockert, Bernice (Tony) Schaffran, Theresa (Donald) Jones, and Catherine (Dan) Onofrey.
Lee is survived by his daughters, Sandy Kraemer and Susie Freske; grandchildren, Michael Nystrom (Kieu Tran) and Katie Nystrom; great grandson Maverick Lee Nystrom; brother Bernard Freske; sister Vivian Lewis; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 25, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Memorial Visitation will be held from 1:00 - 3:00 pm on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at the Hamilton Funeral Homes - Akkerman Chapel
Memorial Visitation will be held again 1 hour prior to the service at the church.
Inurnment will be in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Mora.
Military Honors will be provided by the Ogilvie American Legion.
A luncheon will follow the service at the Church Parish Center.