Viola Frees

Viola Myrtle Frees, 93, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls.

She was born October 12, 1919, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where her father, Reverend George Grabarkewitz was a missionary in a German community. Her mother was Ida (Schultz) Grabarkewitz. She was baptized October 26, 1919, and confirmed May 21, 1933. Viola grew up in Elizabeth, Minnesota, graduating from Fergus Falls High School. It was here that she met Carl Frees. They were married August 9, 1939.

Viola enjoyed her family and friends. She enjoyed children, volunteering to work with children at church, where she taught Wednesday School, and she also assisted at Cleveland Elementary School. Viola was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she helped start the school, and served on the Trinity School Board. In her free time she enjoyed painting and flower gardening. Her faith was important to her, and she wasn’t afraid to share it with others.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Carl “Pete” Frees, a son, Peter Frees, her siblings: Ruth Anderson, Dorothy Kerr, Paul Grabarkewitz, Patricia Watkins, and infant brother, George Grabarkewitz, and her parents.

Survivors include her daughters: Jordy (Hartley) Hageness of Rugby, ND, Carla (Allan) Schneeberger, of Barrett, Gretchen (Ira) Wax of Lumberton, TX, and Deidre (John) Haugmo of Fergus Falls, and a daughter-in-law, Kathy Frees of Fergus Falls; one son, Jonathan (Becky) Frees of Bemidji; 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran School or the Rev. George Grabarkewitz Scholarship Fund.

Visitation: 4-6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, January 19, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls
Clergy; Reverend Curtis Deterding
Interment: Trinity-Faith Cemetery, Fergus Falls
Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.