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Eugene G. Freese, age 85, of Atlantic, passed away September 19, 2016, at 11:55 P.M. He was born July 9, 1931, in Odebolt, IA, the son of Otto & Florence Freese. Gene graduated from the Huxley High School with the class of 1949. He had perfect attendance, kindergarten through 12th grade, while attending school in Huxley. After attending Waldorf College in Forest City, he worked at the Iowa State Highway Commission in Ames, and was also Assistant Manager of the five movie theaters in Ames.

Gene enlisted in the Navy Reserve when he was in College and was in the Reserve for 14 years. In 1953, he was called to active duty and was stationed at San Diego, CA, Bremerton, WA, and Bangor, WA. In 1955, he returned to Iowa and married Carole (Peterson) Freese. He and Carole then returned to Bremerton to finish his 6 month tour of duty.

After his discharge, he again worked at the Highway Commission, then he and Carole moved to Chicago where he was the Office Manager for the Standard Milling Co. While in Chicago, he attended Northwestern University. After a year in Chicago, he and Carole settled in Atlantic, where he worked as the Office Service Manager for Walnut Grove Products Co. for 36 years. He and Carole also owned and managed the Platime Roller Skating Rink for 38 years. They were privileged to sponsor the Platime Rebel Skating Club, a group of young people that provided "fun" activities and service projects for others. After semi-retiring, Gene continued to be active in farming.

Gene was a volunteer Fireman for 8 years with the Huxley Fire Department. On July 16, 2016, the Atlantic Fire Department held a celebration for Gene's 50 years of volunteer service for the Atlantic Department. Gene was a past member of the Jaycees, a Mason, an Adult Personnel for the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, and a Rainbow Dad for the Atlantic Rainbow Assembly. He was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church where he had served as an Elder and a Deacon.

Gene is survived by his wife Carole, 2 daughters, Kathryn Freese and Debra (Michael) Braverman, 2 granddaughters, Ann and Sarah Braverman, brother and sister-in-law Bill & Pam Carlson, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto & Florence Freese, father and mother-in-law, Harvey & Bee Peterson, brother and sister-in-law, Don Freese & Sally (Freese) Jones, sister-in-law, Jone Peterson, and nephew Gary Freese.

A Masonic Service will be held at 5:00 p.m., Friday, September 23, 2016, at Roland Funeral Home with a visitation with the family following from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 10:30, Saturday, September 24, 2016, at the First United Presbyterian Church in Atlantic. A family interment of cremains will take place in the Atlantic Cemetery after the service. Lunch will be served in the church dining for family and friend following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Atlantic Fire Department or the Presbyterian Church of Atlantic.

Roland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com

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