Sarah H Freese

Sarah Helen Freese, 85, of Lake City, passed away Friday, June 17, 2011 at St. Elizabeth Heath Care Center in Wabasha. She was born on January 14, 1926 in Lake City to Ralph and Myrtle (Fitzgerald) Sheehan. She graduated from the McCall School in 1943. She then attended Winona State and received her teaching certificate, then went to St. Teresa to receive her Bachelor's degree, and finally to Loyola University in Chicago to receive a Master's Degree in social work. She married Leo "Barney" Freese on September 7, 1953 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lake City. She worked for Catholic Church Charities and also taught for several years. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church where she took part in the ladies guild; she was also a member of the American Legion and VFW ladies auxiliary. She enjoyed reading, watching movies, listening to music, dancing, and animals. Sarah also loved spending time on the river and swimming.

She is survived by her husband, Leo "Barney" of Lake City; daughters, Mary Kay (Tom) Johnson of Lake City, Sally (Dennis) Mueller of Winona; sons, Patrick (Katie) Freese of Coon Rapids, Bill Freese of Apple Valley; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Ray and Billy Sheehan.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father Robert Meyer and Father Donald Leary officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 7 Tuesday, June 21, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Anderson-Peterson Chapel in Lake City with a rosary at 4 p.m. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Online condolences can be sent at