Herbert “Herb” Ellsworth Freerks, 77

Herbert “Herb” Ellsworth Freerks, age 77, of Clarksville, Iowa, was born the son of Henry “Red” and Edith “Tad” (McNielus) Freerks on December 17, 1944, in Waverly, Iowa.  With his parents and his sister Bev, he grew up west of Clarksville, on land he could call home for all of those years.  As a teen, Herb enjoyed roller skating, which introduced him to Ellen Joann Doeden. He graduated from Clarksville High School in 1963.  On October 21, 1965, Herb and Ellen were married in Preston Minnesota. That same year, he joined the United States Army, where he was a Sergeant, serving in Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and in South Korea. In 1967, Herb left service. The following year, he and Ellen welcomed their son, Billy. Nine years later, they expanded their family with a daughter, Sue.

In nearly 78 years on earth, Herb became so meaningful to so many: a cool big brother, an attentive husband, an adventurous friend, a strong father, a mentoring uncle, and a gentle grandpa. He was a hunter, a fisherman, a dog trainer, a horse tamer, a lumberman, a storyteller, a farmer, and a fighter. He was direct and determined, dutiful and fiery. He was as much a part of Clarksville as Heery Woods or the Shell Rock River. He was loving, and he was loved. 

Throughout the years, Herb worked several different jobs.  He started working in construction and concrete, then worked in the grain industry for over 40 years.  He also cut trees with Norton Tree Service and did logging with Tony and David Clark.  However, he insisted it was coon hunting that paid the bills.

On Thursday, December 1, 2022, Herb died at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly.  Herb’s passing was preceded by that of his parents, Henry “Red” and Edith “Tad” Freerks, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Joe and Irene Doeden, and his brother-in-law, James “Ace” Jacobsen.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ellen of Clarksville; his son Billy (Tamara) Freerks of Belmond, Iowa; his daughter, Sue (Joshua) Schneiderman of Waverly; his granddaughters, Maya and Elliot Schneiderman; his sister, Beverly Jacobsen of Clarksville, his nieces and nephews, Blair, Lynn, Tad, Genny, Betsy, and Mike; his sister-in-law, Sandra (Leon) Webrand of Palm Desert, California, as well as numerous other family and dear friends. 

Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Friday, December 9, 2022, at the Redman Funeral & Cremation Services - Clarksville Funeral Home. Military rites were conducted by the Clarksville Amvets Post 30 at 4:00 p.m.  Maya Schneiderman and Elliot Schneiderman were Honorary Urnbearers.  Burial will be at Lynwood Cemetery in Clarksville.  

Memorials may be directed to the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com