James Freels, Sr.

James Leonard Freels, age 85 of Toledo, OH passed away at home on Wednesday March 4, 2015. He was born May 26, 1929 in Springfield, TN. Jim worked at a variety of jobs beginning at a very young age. As a pre-teen he dug basements with a team of mules, assisted his family in the operation of the former Pearson Park stables, worked at the Toledo Produce market, Van Deilen Construction, and was an excavation contractor, owning and operating Jim Freels Construction. Jim also had other business interest. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during WW II. Jim was a former member of the Masonic Order. Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Miriam Elizabeth (Smith) Freels; daughter, Rebecca Jeanette Gozdowski; parents, Leslie and Sarah Freels; brothers, Larry and Robert Freels; sister Martha Murphy; brothers in law, Dick Murphy, Richard Wing, David Muir, Dale Thomas, Bob Holey; sisters in law, Mildred (Dale) Thomas, Arletta (Bill) Howe, Jean (Donald) Dennis, Joanne Freels, nephews Darrell Rathbun, Dale Thomas Jr.; nieces Linda Gurule, Sandra Shoemaker; and grand nephew Richard Wing Jr. Surviving are his children; daughters, Phyllis Kershner of Toledo, OH, and Cynthia (Ron) Zimmerman of Adrian, MI; sons, Jim Jr (Darlene) Freels of Sylvania, OH, Rich (Patricia) Freels of Temperance, MI, Chuck (Judith) Freels of Rochester Hills, MI, and Jerry (Debra) Freels of Berkey, OH; brother, Merideth Red Freels, and sisters Janice Wing, Betty (Lester) Curtis, Leatha Muir; sisters in law Betty Holey and Sandra Freels; eleven grandchildren Veronica (Jeff) Eiben, Chad Zimmerman, Jared (Miake) Freels, Adam (Danielle) Freels, Leslie (Ben) David, Melissa (Mike) Maniscalco, Jennifer (Matt) Banks, Katie (Matt) Allert, Ryan (Katie) Freels, Brian (Jill) Freels, Kristen (Jordan) Raetz; 15 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Sunday March 8, 2015 at H.H. Birkenkamp Funeral Home, Trilby Chapel, (419-473-1301) Alexis and Tremainsville Roads, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Funeral service will be Monday, March 9 beginning at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be given to Health Resource Solution. Online condolences may be given at www.birkenkampfuneralhome.com Visitation Sunday, March 8, 2015 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM H.H. Birkenkamp Funeral Home 3219 Tremainsville Rd Toledo OH 43613 United States 419-473-1301 funeral service Monday, March 9, 2015 10:00 AM H.H. Birkenkamp Funeral Home 3219 Tremainsville Rd Toledo OH 43613 United States 419-473-1301