Issues In WELS

Pastor Gerald E. Free
1930-2008

Pastor Gerald E. Free, due to the grace and mercy of the Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, was called into the glory of everlasting life on Feb. 12, 2008, at the age of 77 years, 1 month and 30 days. He died due to complications from Leukemia.

Gerald E. Free, was born on Dec. 13, 1930, in Manitowoc, the son of Raymond and wife, Alice (Alfson) Free. He was baptized on Dec. 26, 1930, and confirmed on April 21, 1944. He received his schooling at Hillside School, First German Evangelical Lutheran School of Manitowoc, and at Northwestern Preparatory Seminary, Mequon. On July 10, 1955, he was ordained and installed as pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran, Bonesteel, S.D. On that same day, he was installed as pastor of St. John Evangelical Lutheran, Herrick, S.D., and Faith Evangelical Lutheran, Platte, S.D. He served this tri-parish until January of 1959, when he became pastor of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran, Hadar, Neb., where he served from 1959 to 1965. Other congregations he served were Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran of Omaha, Neb., where he served from 1965 to 1987, and Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran of Hortonville, where he served from 1987 to 1997.

Besides serving various congregations, he also served the church at large. For 17 years he served as President of the Nebraska District of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. He also served as second vice-president and first vice-president of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. On June 12, 1955, he was married to Judith M. Harpt, at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran of Mishicot. They were blessed with five children. On retiring from the ministry in October of 1997, they moved to the town of Menasha, and were members of Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church of Menasha. During his retirement years he found joy in serving in numerous capacities, preaching at area congregations, visiting shut-ins, and also served as part of the committee for the Wisconsin Synod's 150th Anniversary, which was titled "Forward in Christ."

Survivors include his wife: Judith Free; two sons: Pastor Keith Free and wife, Rachel, of Plover and Pastor Douglas Free and wife, Mary, of Rapid City, S.D.; three daughters: Candace Schimke and husband, Steve, of Appleton; Carla Rosenbaum and husband, Steve, of Wildomar, Calif.; and Annette Zoromski and husband, Steve, of Neenah; 16 grandchildren: Carrie (Brad) Behling; James Free; Amanda Frese; Joshua Free; Joel Free; Caleb Free; Jon Free; Angela Frese; Micah Free; Nicole Rosenbaum; Brandon Rosenbaum; Sarah Free; Jason Free; Lydia Free; Benjamin Rosenbaum; and Luke Rosenbaum; three step-grandsons: Neil (Julie) Schimke; Aaron Schimke; and Tim Zoromski; brother-in-law: Harlan and wife, Karen, Harpt; and two aunts: Luella Espen and Ilene Alfson. Numerous cousins, other relatives and friends also survive.

The celebration service will be held on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008, at 3 p.m. at Mount Olive Evangelical Lutheran Church, 930 E. Florida Ave., Appleton, with The Rev. Samuel Degner officiating.

Visitation will be held on Saturday from 3 to 7:30 p.m. at Westgor Funeral Home, Menasha and again on Sunday from 1 until 3 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to benefit the Church Extension Fund (WELS), WELS Scholarship Fund and Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Menasha.

Reprinted from the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter (Feb. 14, 2008 )