Donald Ralph Freese, Captain USNR, died peacefully on Tuesday, September 3rd, at the age of 72 surrounded by his family in St. Pete Beach, FL.
Captain Freese is survived by his loving wife; Sherry Freese; his children; Marc Freese and Michelle (Freese) Star; his son-in-law, Jason Star, and daughter-in-law, Melody Freese; and four grandchildren, Jackson Star, Sawyer Star, Alexander Freese, and Alissa Freese. He is preceded in death by his father, Fritz Freese; his mother, Pearl Freese; an infant twin
brother, Daniel; and brother, Clarence Freese.
Don was born in Rock Island, IL July 8, 1941 and proud to be an active alumni of Rock Island High School, Class of 1959. He went on to graduate in 1963 from the U.S. Naval Academy and recalled his Academy years fondly and relished his time of service in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserves. In addition to his BS degree from the Navy Academy, he earned both a Master of Science and an MBA from Binghamton University. He later went on to receive his JD degree from Chase College of Law, Northern Kentucky University and was licensed to practice law in Kentucky and Ohio.
Don’s support to the military continued well past his retirement from the Naval Reserves in 1993. Don was a long-time Military Officer’s Association of America (MOAA) Life Member with an incredible record of distinguished leadership at MOAA. He was the President of the St. Petersburg Chapter, Chairman of the Florida Council of Chapters and at the time of his death a sitting member of the MOAA National Board of Directors. Don Freese has been a Naval officer, Vice President of a corporation, an adjunct professor, and a lawyer. His most cherished and successful roles were that of a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He instilled in his family faith in God, sensibility, compassion, and service. He will be missed.
Funeral services will be Monday, September 9th, at Paradise Lutheran Church, 10255 Paradise Blvd., Treasure Island, FL 33706. Viewing will be from 1:30 PM-2:30 PM with the service to immediately follow at 2:30 PM. Don will be laid to rest in his hometown at the Rock Island National Cemetery in Rock Island, IL after a brief service at Esterdahl Mortuary on Thursday, September 12, 2013.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the USNA Class of 1963 Legacy Project, the Center for Academic Excellence. Donations can be mailed to Mr. James M. DeFrancia, Treasurer of the USNA Class of 1963 Foundation, P.O Box 12393, Aspen,CO 81612. Donors should indicate donations are for Don Freese. Here is a link to the web page for the project: http://www.usna.edu/AcCenter/. Here is a link to the form to make a donation: http://www.usna63.org/foundation/PledgeForm.pdf
Please sign the guestbook below.
Barb and I extend out deepest sympathies to Sherry and the family.
I will sincerely miss Don and the wise counsel that he provided. He was a leader and gentleman.
Our sympathies and condolences go out to Sherry and family. In Don, we have lost a truly great American, patriot and friend. He made the World a better place.
Entry: Don may you have “Fair Winds and a Following Sea.” Chris and I considered you a dedicated and loyal friend who could be counted upon to assist in all ways possible, to provide wise council and a loving hand to all who required your help. We will miss you.
Dear Sherry & Family,
I was so sadden to hear about Don. He was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayer go with you and your family. Let me know if I can be of any help at this trying time.
Love,
Pauline
Don’s passing is a great loss for all who knew and admired him. He was an outstanding military officer whose career continued on well after his retirement from active and reserve duty. He served his brothers in arms and those who stacked arms with enthusiasm and a drive rarely exceeded. His service and success to MOAA, both the local chapter and at the national level, was unparalled. He is greatly missed. Don, your service to your comrades…well done, my friend, well done.
Your passing came as a shock to us. We will never forget your service to your Country and to your fellow veterans. We will miss you deeply and may God bless you. Our sympathies to Sherry and your family.
Dear Sherry and family
I send my deepest sympathies to you for the loss of your husband and father. How proud you must be Don’s great accomplishments and many acts of kindness. He was a generous and big hearted man who left behind a thousand great memories that will live in the hearts and minds of his many friends forever. I will remember Don with joy and will pray for your comfort in the days ahead.
Dear Sherry, children and grandchildren, I was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden death of Don. I know that he will be greatly missed. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Carol
I speak for not only myself but, also for the Sirata Beach Resort when I say; that we are truly saddened to hear of your loss. I met Don back in early March 2008 when he was looking to bring us our first meeting for MOAA. He was amazing to work with and actually taught me a lot about Military Groups Organizations. We have stayed in touch each year due to other meetings. He was a kind man, kind to me and he will be missed!
Dear Sherry.Bill and I were stunned to hear of the sudden death of Don.He was a fine, kind, and caring man.Please know that you,your children and grand children are in our thoughts and prayers. God blessyou and family.
May a fair wind always be at your back.
Our deepest condolences to Sherry and family.
Don will be remembered by his golfing buddies for his good cheer and the “well run game”.
Pease be with you.
Norm & louise.