Mary Katherine (Ells) Freese, age 81 of Hudson, WI, passed away August 3, 2018 at her residence.

Mary was born on October 26, 1936 in Sycamore, IL to Paul and Gertrude (Empen) Ells. She graduated from Sycamore High School and earned bachelors degrees from Northern Illinois University and the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Mary worked as an elementary school teacher in Rochelle and Skokie, IL. Mary later attended Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. While there she met the love of her life, Ruwal Freese, and they were married on August 19, 1962. The couple were blessed with three children, and the family resided in the Wisconsin communities that Ruwal was pastorally called to serve, Whitehall, Mondovi, Baraboo, Appleton and New Richmond. In retirement, Mary and Ruwal traveled all over the country, living in their travel trailer for ten years. Mary was a private person. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed bicycling, walking, reading and playing the piano.

She will remain in the heart of her husband, the Rev. Dr. Ruwal Freese; children, Jennifer (Jeff) Devine of San Francisco CA, and Joel (Robin) Freese of Spring TX; grandchildren, Paige, Parker and Preston “Jack” Devine; Jackson, Raquel and Ruby Freese; two sisters and one brother; and other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her son, Neal Freese; her parents, and one sister and six brothers.

At Mary’s generous request, her body has been donated to the Mayo Clinic Anatomical Bequest Program. Honoring her stated desire, a small private family gathering will be held.