Jack H.J. Freese

Jack Freese, 81, of Creston, IA, died Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at his daughter's home in Creston, surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Jack's Life will take place on July 3, 2021 with a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery in Albion, NE with military rites. A reception and Celebration of Jack's life will follow at the Albion Country Club. Powers Funeral Home in Creston and Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE are  assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

Jack H.J. Freese was born October 5, 1939 in Albion, Neb., a son to Hans and Lulu (Mills) Freese.

Jack grew up in Albion and graduated from High School in 1956.  After graduating, Jack enlisted in the US Navy and spent four years on the USS Saratoga.

Jack was united in marriage to Katherine Elaine Kelley on April 17, 1962 in Albion, NE. They were blessed with two daughters, Michelle and Jackie. Jack worked as a Branch Manager for Skelgas and was later transferred and moved his family to Creston in 1967.  Jack enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating with his family.

Jack was one of a kind and a man that lit up the room just by walking into it.  He never knew a stranger.  He will be remembered for his thunderous voice; telling stories, his laughter and his bright smile.

Survivors include his two daughters, Michelle (Roger) McIntire of Creston and Jackie Swift-Kurkjian of Bonita Springs, Fla.; three grandchildren, Kaitlyn Swift of Chicago, Ill., Christina Swift of Austin, TX and Ryan Swift of St. Charles, Ill.; sisters, Joan (Gary) Morgan of Highlands Ranch, Colo and Janice Wauben of Burlington, NC ; sisters-in-law Virginia (Dave) Giddings of Crandall, TX, Margaret Kelley of Albion, Neb. and Ann (Perry) Stultz of St. Edward, Neb.; brothers-in-law, David Livingston of Central City, Neb. and Jim Matson of Kearney, Neb.; nephews, Curt Morgan of Highlands Ranch, Colo., Mike (Sherri) Kelley of Albion, Neb., James (Kelly) Kelley of Norfolk, Neb., David (Samantha) Matson of Kearney, Neb; Jimmy Matson of Kansas City, MO; nieces, Merridy (Kenny) Jensen of Castle Pines, Colo. and Shelby (Creighton) Reed of Dallas, TX; along with many great nieces, great nephews and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Kathy, mother-in-law Rowena Livingston, sisters and brothers-in-law Betty and Russ Flamme, Deb Matson, Bill Wauben, and great-nephew, Nathan Morgan.