Paul Fred Freese
January 30, 1975 — March 19, 2016
Paul Fred Freese, 41, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, March 19 at his mother’s home in Marion, completing a three-year journey with anaplastic astrocytoma brain cancer.
Paul was born January 30, 1975, in Cedar Rapids, to Roger D. and Mary Sue (Reilly) Freese, of Clarence.
He graduated from Clarence-Lowden High School in Clarence, in 1993, and the University of Iowa in 1997, receiving his BA in Art. He worked as a graphic designer, spending the last 16 years with BIC, formerly, Norwood and Souvenir, Inc.
Theatre was Paul’s true passion, and from an early age, he enjoyed acting, whether it was donning costumes, creating characters or doing impressions. Paul was a standout performer in high school and was a member of West Side Players in college. He appeared in several productions at Theatre Cedar Rapids and Mount Vernon/Lisbon Community Theatre, as well as several short films.
Paul is survived by his mother, Mary; brother, Eric; sister-in-law, Amanda; and nephews, Evan and Owen, all of Marion; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father; and grandparents, Herbert and Verda Freese, and Daniel and Mary Reilly.
Paul and his family would like to thank the staff of Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University, the Ghosh Center, Hospice of Mercy, Uncle Dan Reilly, and other relatives who helped with care, and the friends and family who offered love and support through this journey.
Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hiawatha by Father Mark Ressler. A luncheon will follow. Friends may call 4 - 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at Murdoch Funeral Home, Marion where a scripture service will be recited at 8 p.m. Friends may also call from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial: 2 p.m., St. John’s UCC Cemetery, Clarence.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Paul was born January 30, 1975, in Cedar Rapids, to Roger D. and Mary Sue (Reilly) Freese, of Clarence.
He graduated from Clarence-Lowden High School in Clarence, in 1993, and the University of Iowa in 1997, receiving his BA in Art. He worked as a graphic designer, spending the last 16 years with BIC, formerly, Norwood and Souvenir, Inc.
Theatre was Paul’s true passion, and from an early age, he enjoyed acting, whether it was donning costumes, creating characters or doing impressions. Paul was a standout performer in high school and was a member of West Side Players in college. He appeared in several productions at Theatre Cedar Rapids and Mount Vernon/Lisbon Community Theatre, as well as several short films.
Paul is survived by his mother, Mary; brother, Eric; sister-in-law, Amanda; and nephews, Evan and Owen, all of Marion; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father; and grandparents, Herbert and Verda Freese, and Daniel and Mary Reilly.
Paul and his family would like to thank the staff of Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University, the Ghosh Center, Hospice of Mercy, Uncle Dan Reilly, and other relatives who helped with care, and the friends and family who offered love and support through this journey.
Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hiawatha by Father Mark Ressler. A luncheon will follow. Friends may call 4 - 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at Murdoch Funeral Home, Marion where a scripture service will be recited at 8 p.m. Friends may also call from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial: 2 p.m., St. John’s UCC Cemetery, Clarence.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
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