Robert William "Bob" Freske Jr.

Robert William Freske, Jr.
January 31, 1960 – January 7, 2025
Robert (Bob) William Freske Jr., 64, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Bob lived a rich and vibrant life, and will be remembered by family, friends, and all those who knew him.Bob was born in Niles, MI on January 31, 1960, to the late Robert William Freske Sr. and Lois Eunice (Klebbe) Freske. Throughout his life, Bob carried their legacy of kindness, strength, and community.
He is survived by his loving wife, Juliana (Julie) Cowen Freske, whom he married on September 12th, 1987, in South Bend, IN; his devoted sons, William Anthony (Sydney) of New Haven, CT and Jacob Robert of Noblesville, IN; his first grandchild, due this coming March; and his siblings Grace (John) Parshall, Judy (Ken) Hoese, Kathy (Larry) McLaughlin, Rick (Cindy) Freske, as well as their families.
Bob was a 1978 graduate of Niles High School during which time his main extracurricular activity was honing his work ethic as a co-op student at Niles Feed and Seed. He earned an Associate in Horticulture from Ferris State University and a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Purdue University. Bob began his lawn and green care career as a part-time summer employee pushing a walk-behind fertilizer spreader for Liqui-Lawn, the company his father founded. He continued in the industry with Brayton Chemical (Wilbur-Ellis), Cannon Turf Management (Eco-Soil), and Simplot Turf & Horticulture. In 2001, he joined Advanced Turf Solutions where he spent the remainder of his professional career as a golf, sports turf, and lawn care expert until his retirement in December 2024. While Bob loved his work, he never brought it home unless it related to one of his hobbies.
He took pride in maintaining an exquisite yard and pristine lawn and helped others who wanted to do the same. He loved tackling any home improvement project with Julie. He enjoyed cross-country family road trips and was an exceptional packer, treating every trip like the ultimate game of Tetris. Family and friends fondly remember adventures with Bob in the RV. Bob enjoyed golfing with his wife and friends; walking over to Notre Dame football games (no matter the weather); taking twenty-minute power naps in the living room recliner while his snores shook the house's foundation; grilling on the charcoal grill in the backyard while the gas grill watched with envy; sitting around the bonfire in the backyard; and exploring new beers with his sons, though none could ever surpass his two favorites: a free beer and a Miller Lite. Bob was a man of few words but many roles and nicknames. He was a son, brother, uncle, husband, father, coach, mentor, and friend. To his siblings, he was Robbie and later matured into Rob. To his friends, he was Bob. He looked forward to adding his grandfather name, "G-Pops," to this list. His less formal but just as loving monikers included the "SOB" (Sweet Old Bob), the "BHD" (Big Heavy Daddy), and "The Bobfather."
Memorial services to celebrate Bob's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025,at Christ the King Lutheran Church – 17195 Cleveland Rd, South Bend, IN 46635. Friends and family are invited to gather together for a visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. and share a meal after the service.
Bob will live on in the countless lives he touched. His steadfastness, humor, and kind spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. In lieu of flowers, the family is
planning a charitable way to honor Bob's memory and will have more information later in theyear. If you wish to make a memorial gift now, please direct it to the Brian Parker Memorial Foundation or the American Heart Association.
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to the family, please visit our floral store.