Gary Lee Freerks, 77

Gary Lee Freerks, age 77, of Clarksville, Iowa, was born the son of Clarence and LaVonne (Wedeking) Freerks on June 26, 1946, in Waverly, Iowa. He was raised on the family farm by his grandparents, Art & Lela Wedeking. Gary graduated from Clarksville High School in 1964. Gary enlisted into the United States Army Reserve and was a part of the Infantry unit and worked as a mechanic. Gary was honorably discharged in March of 1978.

Gary spent most of his life living in Clarksville. Over the years he worked at Terex Crane in Waverly, Iowa, retiring after 37 years. He then went on to work as a school bus driver for the Waverly-Shell Rock and Clarksville School Districts.  He also refereed football and basketball and umpired baseball and softball for many years.

Gary was an active member of the Immanuel United Church of Christ in Clarksville. He was a Council member, taught Sunday School, and would sometimes write sermons and fill in for Sunday’s service. Gary was a member of CARD, Clarksville AMVETS Post #30, North Liberty American Legion Post #1976, and the Jaycees, serving as President. He was a member of the Clarksville Sportsman’s Club, CARD’s golf leagues, Pete & Shorty’s bowling team, the fast pitch Bantam/Shield’s softball team, and the Church’s Dart Ball Team.

Gary was very competitive and in his spare time, he loved golfing, having 9 hole-in-ones, playing cards, hunting, fishing, bicycling, and spending time with his entire family and his cats. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and attending all their sporting events and school activities. 

On Thursday, March 21, 2024, Gary passed away surrounded by family in Cedar Rapids, due to complications of Alzheimer’s. He is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; son, Bruce Freerks; sister, Becky Kroeze; and brother, Barry Freerks.

Gary is survived by his sons, Brent (Ann) Freerks of Iowa City and Jeremy (Dawn) Freerks of Solon, Iowa; daughter, Angela Kramer of Cedar Rapids; 15 grandchildren, Lyndsie (Jay) Puffett, Kayla Armstrong (fiancé Conley Wilkins), Nolan Armstrong, Zach Armstrong, Jenna Kramer, Josie Kramer, Brian (Ashlee) Alcaraz, Nicholas (Jenna) Freerks, Grace Freerks, Hannah Freerks, Conner Freerks, Emma Freerks, Eli Freerks, Evann Freerks, and Elea Freerks; three great grandchildren; sisters, Connie (Wayne) Wagner of Cedar Falls, Terri (Ron) Retterath of Elma, Iowa, and Jackie (Terry) Ransom of Altoona, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Clarksville.  Pastor Jim Brown officiated the service.  Kayla Armstrong, Lyndsie Puffett, and Conner Freerks read scripture and Brent Freerks shared family memories.  The organist was Sharon Leerhoff and she accompanied the congregation as they sang “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace”.  Nolan Armstrong, Zach Armstrong, Nicholas Freerks, Conner Freerks, Eli Freerks, Brian Alcarez, Gene Nieman and Mike Wedeking served as Casketbearers.  Jenna Kramer, Josie Kramer, Emma Freerks, Evann Freerks, Elea Freerks, Hannah Freerks and Grace Freerks were the Honorary Casketbearers.  The burial will be at Lynwood Cemetery in Clarksville at a later date.  Military rites were conducted by Clarksville AMVETS Post #30.

Visitation was from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Monday, at the Redman Funeral & Cremation Services -Clarksville Funeral Home, and one hour before services at the church.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com