Darwin Freese, 81

Darwin Freese, 81, of Allison, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the Waverly Health Center. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at the Dumont Reformed Church with burial in the Dumont Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be directed to the Iowa Donor Network or Cedar Valley Hospice. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sietsema-Atkinson Funeral Home in Hampton. 

Darwin was born November 4th, 1943, to parents Reuben and Eleanor Freese in Bristow, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm south of Dumont and graduated from Dumont Community School in 1962. He continued his education at Radiologic Technology School in Mason City and graduated in June of 1965. Darwin began his career in Radiology working at the Fort Dodge Hospital then moving to Minnesota and working at the Olmstead Medical Group and Mayo Clinic St. Mary's in Rochester, MN. Darwin and Marge moved their family back to the farm in Dumont, IA where Darwin continued to work at Franklin General Hospital Radiology department, until retirement in 2007.

Darwin married Margorie Ann Bruns on June 19th, 1965. They had three children; Kari Thorn of Cedar Falls, IA, Ryan (Angie) Freese of Dumont, IA; and David (Heather) Freese of Nevada, IA. Darwin continued with the family farm throughout his life, first with his father Reuben and then with his son, Ryan.

Darwin enjoyed most his time being outside and took pride in his farm and lawn care. Darwin and Marge's favorite pastimes included camping, square dancing, playing cards and many vacation adventures with their Minnesota group and the Hawkins family. Darwin was an active member at the Dumont Reformed church and held many roles including serving on the church consistory and the Dumont Community School board.

Most importantly, Darwin's greatest joy was spending time with his family with many special vacations with the grandkids, 50th wedding Anniversary trip to Okoboji, bus trip to Smokey Mountains, and a Washington DC trip with the Dumont school. Many fun weekends and holidays were spent playing cards and cheering on grandkids sports and school activities. After retiring and moving from the farm to town in Allison, Iowa Darwin enjoyed spending time with the neighbor kids that lived close by.

Darwin was preceded in death by his parents Reuben and Eleanor Freese and a brother, Bernard Freese.