Harold Freehling Obituary

Harold George Freehling Jr.

Nov 20, 1947 - Mar 3, 2024

Norwalk

Harold George "Hal" Freehling Jr.'s life of service to God, his family, his country, his friends, community, customers, and patients ended Sunday, March 3, 2024, peacefully at home in Norwalk.

Although he had many roles over the course of his life, he will be remembered by all he encountered for his kindness, humbleness, sense of humor, and the way he treated everyone he met with respect. His life may be summed up best by Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God has forgiven you."

Hal was born Nov. 20, 1947. He led an interesting life starting as a kid where he helped work the farm, was a 4-H champion at Berrien County Youth Fair, and one time even played polkas at a wedding in a band with his brothers. While attending New Troy High School, he once scored ALL the points in the first half of a high school basketball game. After graduation, he served in U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War as a Hospital Corpsman and received a Purple Heart after being wounded during battle while serving with the Marines. He became an inhalation therapist when this field was just beginning and learned on the job to become certified. He then attended University of Chicago and became a Registered Respiratory Therapist. He worked at Providence Hospital as the respiratory therapy department manager and then moved on to OE Meyer Co where he rose to the position of vice president while helping to build the home health care business as the company grew. He earned an AS at Lake Michigan College (where he started a new fraternity), a BA from Bowling Green State University, and MA from Central Michigan University. He served on numerous non-profit and accreditation boards and committees and always wanted to see these organizations grow and focus on their mission. He was also a proud supporter of Salvation Army as he believed that no matter how bad someone has it, they should never go hungry.

One of his proudest achievements was being named a Firelands College Distinguished Alumni as he was not only a student there, but also helped start their Respiratory Therapy program and teach as a instructor. While hospitalized, he was able to see former students and colleagues working as RT's and it brought him a great amount of joy knowing that he was a small part of impacting their lives and training the next generation of Respiratory Therapists. He was on the Marquis Who's Who list multiple times and loved his chance to be on the Ohio Lottery Cash Explosion show. Hal also enjoyed traveling, with some of his best memories coming from his trips to Ireland, Palm Springs, and an especially memorable moment when he was blessed by the Pope in St. Peter's square. Hal was a man of strong faith and loved the parable of the Good Samaritan. He often watched the news and wondered why people forget the message of this story. Even with all this, his main focus always came back to his family, his love for them, and making sure they were OK. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories for his wife of over 53 years, Janet, who he married after a whirlwind six-week romance and whom he recently told how "smitten" he was with her from the moment she opened the door of the townhouse on their first date. Some people said they were crazy, but when you know, you know, and they did. They recently had a vow renewal ceremony where they celebrated their time together again.

He also leaves behind his kids, Wendy Hoffman, Joel (Paula) Freehling, Bret Freehling, and Melissa (Brad) Boyd, who he loved and supported in countless ways. From coaching teams and encouraging hobbies when they were young, helping them start their lives on their own as they became adults, and always checking in or sending a positive quote via text even when he didn't feel well. Hal came full circle when he won another 4-H ribbon (at a MUCH later age) when he decided that he would show Melissa's horse in a competition. His kids would tell you that most people would be lucky to say that their dad was ONE of these: the smartest, toughest, kindest, funniest, calmest, or most loving. They would tell you that they were blessed to have a dad who was ALL of these. He also leaves two grandchildren, Brooke and Aidan, whom he adored and loved watching grow into adults, and three great-grandchildren Cade, Carmen, and Max, who made him smile every time he saw or talked to them. At some point, we realized that having grandkids and great-grandkids gave him the excuse to buy (and play) with all the toys that he (and the grandkids) wanted too, which was hilarious at the holidays. He is also survived by his brothers, Dave (Linda) and Melvin (Laura) Freehling, who will miss "Sonny's" eternal optimism, and a number of nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Wilma Freehling; brother, Marvin; sister, Beverly; son-in-law, Justin Heronema; and nephews, Patrick Freehling and Aaron Nash. While we continue to mourn our loss, our grief is eased by the faith that they are all together again and having quite the time in their heavenly reunion with Hal, of course making a grand entrance into the party.

Even with his full and successful life, Hal may have been most happy just visiting and laughing with friends and family with a glass of wine on the back deck of his and Janet's house or turning in another scratch off lottery ticket winner. When people visited, even at his sickest, Hal would always make them feel like he was the one who was fine and they were the ones he needed to make sure were okay. The family would like to wholeheartedly recognize all the workers at Southern Care Hospice (especially Gina Nolan) for giving us almost another year with him and accompanying us on his final journey. We would also like to recognize the VA staff who came out and played a key role in his time and care at home.

In lieu of flowers, we know that Hal would ask you to do three things instead: 1. Please donate to Salvation Army or local food pantry. 2. Be kind to others and when you vote, vote for those who put others and service above self. 3. Buy a scratch off lottery ticket.

A celebration of life will be at a later date for family and friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk.