James A. Freres

James A. Freres, age 91, passed away Wednesday, October 24, 2012, at Wheaton-Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center.  James was born in Racine on January 14, 1921, son of the late Nicholas and Josephine (Nee:  Meier) Freres.

Jim was a proud graduate and senior class President of Wm Horlick High School "Class of 1939." During World War II Jim served in the United States Navy, stationed in the Pacific Theatre.  On April 22, 1944, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Racine he was united in marriage to Eileen M. Young.  She preceded him in death on July 2, 2012.  From this union they were blessed with eight children:  Patricia (Charles) Stinger of Madison, James (preceded him in death in April of 2000) and his wife, Joleen Freres of Austin, TX, Peggy (Charles) Granger of Elkhorn, John (Julie ) Freres, Janet (Steven) Ramig, Jean (John) Schoenwaelder, all of Racine, Nicholas (Barbara) Freres of Milwaukee, Stephen (Susan) Freres of Racine; 24 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, LaVerne (Thomas) LaFleur of Racine; sisters-in-law, Lois Young of Racine, Kottie Freres of Kenosha; Betty Freres of NH; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.  In addition to his parents, wife and son, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert, Donald; sisters, Marion Liegler, Dorothy Sorensen and AnnaMae McKee.

With his family, Jim owned and operated Sterling Tool Company for many years and was a member of the NTMA (National Tooling Machining Association).  He was a longtime and active member of St. Rita Catholic Church and an affiliate member of the Augustinian Order. He served as a marriage enrichment counselor, Eucharistic minister, jail minister and taught RCIC classes. Previously, Jim and his wife were active, dedicated members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and were instrumental in the building of the church.  He was also a member of the Serra Club, and a charter member of the Fifth Street Yacht Club.  In his spare time Jim enjoyed the Green Bay Packers, fishing, gardening, and his many delightful travels with his wife, Eileen.  He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be dearly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, October 30, 2012, at 11 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Ave., with Rev. Kevin Mullins OSA officiating.  Entombment with Full Military Honors will follow at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum, Hwy 32.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Monday at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Tuesday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m.  Memorials to St. Rita Church Capital Fund, Respect Life Program, or to Hospice Alliance have been suggested.

The family extends a special thank you to the entire staff at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine  (262) 634-7888