Earl Jerome Freise

Earl Jerome Freise (December 30, 1935 - July 12, 2024)

Earl Jerome Freise passed away peacefully at his Prescott, Arizona home on July 12, 2024, surrounded by his children and Lenore, his loving wife and companion of nearly 66 years. Earl lived a life marked by generosity, kindness, and a deep commitment to those around him.

He was born in Chicago on December 30, 1935, where he also met Lenore, and they became high school sweethearts, eventually marrying. The couple had four children: Christopher (Holly) Freise, Timothy (Daphne) Freise, Nora (Robert) VandenBoom and Lawrence (Diana Raye) Freise. The extended Freise family also consists of 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

He received his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, Trinity Hall, in metallurgical engineering. Earl dedicated many years to his profession in academia, first as a Professor at Northwestern University, followed by administrative positions in the Contracts and Grants offices of the University of North Dakota, followed by University of Nebraska and finally the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. He would make a final move to Prescott Arizona in 1999, where both he and Lenore enjoyed their retirement. His passions included wood working, gardening, international travel, genealogy and an endless appetite for reading. He accumulated a vast collection of classic books, and boasted that he had read every one, some 2-3 times. He was a very dedicated member of the Catholic Church community in every location where he lived, and often volunteered as a Minister of Holy Communion.

He seemed happiest at family gatherings, and their home was always a warm and welcoming place. He was inevitably the last one to retire at family functions, full of stories and words of wisdom for whomever was still awake to listen. And when his family didn't travel to him, he would often pack up his Ford 350 pickup truck, put on his cowboy hat and bolo tie, and drive endless miles around the country to visit his children, always mapping out the planned journey on an old school paper atlas.

Earl was a role model for his children, grandchildren, students and virtually any person that had the pleasure of spending any time with him. His unselfish approach to everything he did was the hallmark of his personality. We will miss him dearly but take comfort that he is at peace in the Kingdom of Heaven.

A Funeral mass will be held Monday August 5th at 1100am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church 150 Fleury St. Prescott, AZ 86301

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to your favorite charity in honor of Earl