Janice Mae Freese

Funeral services for Janice Freese of Morris, MN will be held Friday, October 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Summit Cemetery in Morris.

Janice Mae (Paul) Freese was born August 14, 1937 in Appleton, Minnesota. She was one of two children born to Albert and Irma (Diffenbaugh) Paul. She started out living in the town of Appleton, while her dad worked at a flour mill and raised mink. In her teen years they moved out to the grand-parents farm. She had many adventure stories while in town and out in the country. One of her favorites is about her pet raccoon, Chucky, she raised on the farm. She was also involved with 4-H, sewing, baking, piano and organist at church. She also worked at a bakery and bank in Appleton. Janice graduated from Appleton High School in 1955.

In 1956, she met Jerry Freese while roller skating in Appleton. Later that year they were married in December, 1956. While Jerry was drafted in the army, he was sent to Ashaffenburg, Germany. Three months later, Janice joined him there. Ten months later, they returned to the United States and lived on the family farm near Alberta, MN. Jerry was working at the Alberta School and farming, but was offered a better position of supervisor of building and grounds at the Morris School. In 1970, the family moved to Morris, where they built a new home. In 2004, a newer home was built next door for their retirement years that also included a carpentry shop.

Jan and Jerry spent 22 winters in Apache Junction, AZ. They enjoyed traveling, camping clubs and many adventures on their motorcycle. They celebrated 67 years of marriage together.

Her hobbies she enjoyed were; photography, painting, gardening, homemakers club, music, plant sales, and exhibiting photos at the county fair. She was also an excellent organizer, writer and bookkeeper for Jerry’s carpentry business.

Janice passed away at Skyview Assisted Living in Morris on Tuesday morning, September 29, 2026 at the age of 89.

She is survived by her four children: John Freese of Pepin, WI, Julie (Howard) Johnson of Willmar, David Freese of Morris and Diana (Randy) Fischer of Tomah, WI; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; brother: Dennis Paul of Cologne, MN; a niece, nephew, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; her parents and sister-in-law: Ardis Paul.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in care of the arrangements for Janice.