Gladys Amanda Emma Freier nee Merz, age 83, of West Bend passed away Sunday, October 24, 2004 at St. Joseph's Community Hospital in West Bend.
She was born on July 14, 1921 in Addison, IL to the late Henry and Alma (nee Exner) Merz. On February 5, 1943 she was united in marriage to James Frederick Freier in her hometown of Addison. Horse back riding always held a special place in their hearts because it was how they first met. James preceded her in death on February 28, 1983.
Gladys was employed as a mold injection operator for Schiffmayer Plastics of Algonquin, IL, for many years before retiring in 1985. She loved art and especially enjoyed painting pictures and steins. She also had a real talent for playing the accordion. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in West Bend.
Gladys is survived by three daughters, Bonnie (Larry) Freier-Hopp of Salem, WI, Valerie (Randy) Hakes of Oak Creek, WI, and Melanie (Howard) Iverson of West Bend, WI; one son, David (Linda) Freier of Twin Lakes, WI; 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Mildred Leach of Aurora, CO, Irene Duddridge of Lombard, IL, Ruth Dettman of Huntley, IL, and Grace (Allan) Danielson of Huntley, IL; a brother, Henry (Marion) Merz of Cary, IL; other relatives and friends. Her son James Freier Jr preceded her in death.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 29, 2004 at 6:00 pm at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home in West Bend. Pastor David Schoob will officiate. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 pm until the time of service. Burial will be the following day at 12:00 pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery in Addison, IL.