In Memory of Leona Frees

Leona A. Frees, age 90 of Lake Stevens, Washington died Friday; October 1, 2004  in Marysville, Washington. Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Saturday; October 16, 2004 at the McKown Funeral Home in Columbus. The Rev. Wayne Nestor will officiate. Burial will be in the Columbus Cemetery.

Leona A. Frees was born April 15, 1914 in Columbus, Nebraska to Otto and Anna Marie (Weiss) Rudat. When her mother died, Leona helped raise her three younger brothers on the family's homestead. In 1938 she married Richard "Dick" Frees. They made their home in Columbus and later in Port Orchard, Washington before settling in Lake Stevens, WA in 1955. There they established the F&F Fur Farm, an outstanding mink breeding operation. When her husband died in 1975, Leona managed the farm with notable success and dedication. Until her recent illness, Leona lived as one of the first residents of Ashley Pointe Assisted Living in Lake Stevens, a community of friends that gave her great happiness. Leona was a member of the Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Lake Stevens, The Plymouth Rebekah Chapter No. 142 of Everett, where she served as Noble Grand and the Olympic Fur Breeders Association. She was fan of the Seattle Mariners, Sonics and Seahawks. 

Leona is survived by:

Brother          Lt. Col.(US Army Ret.)  Robert Rudat of Lake Stevens, WA
Nephew        James Rudat of Lake Stevens, WA
Nephew        Todd Rudat of Duncan, NE
Nephew        Doug Rudat of Columbus, NE
Niece            Cheryl Thomas of  York, NE
Niece             Kay Johnson of Columbus, NE

She was preceded in death by:

her parents, husband: Richard and 1 brother: Carroll

Memorials are suggested to the Children's Hospital of Seattle