Margaret A. Frees was born September 11, 1924 to the late Frank and Anna (Dentlinger) Lutwitze in Dedham, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. She received her early education from the Dedham School and later in life, obtained her GED in 1971. Margaret served as a loving, compassionate caregiver for her grandparents, parents, sister, and husband, John, for most of her life.
On December 13, 1949, Margaret graduated with the first class of Mercy Hospital’s Mercedian School of Practical Nursing and on March 29, 1950, she became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She started her career in nursing in LeMars, Iowa and in the polio wards in Omaha, Nebraska. Later, she became employed at the Manning General Hospital where she worked for 41 years until her retirement. Throughout her career, Margaret helped comfort, encourage and care for many mothers and babies she helped deliver. She also managed Central Supply and assisted with surgeries for many years.
On November 26, 1960, Margaret was united in marriage with John Frees at Sacred Heart Church in Templeton. They made their home in Manning and welcomed a daughter, Karen Ann to their home in 1962.
Margaret had a strong faith in her Lord and was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Church in Manning. Throughout the years, she taught CCD classes and served on many church committees. In recent years, Margaret made rosaries that were sent to missions in other countries. She had completed and contributed over 4,000 rosaries. For those who knew Margaret, she was most known for sending caring and thoughtful cards and notes to friends and family, far and near. She also offered daily prayers for healing and grace.
Margaret passed away peacefully, with her daughter by her side, on Sunday, October 31, 2021, at the Manning Regional Healthcare Center, in Manning, attaining the age of ninety-seven years, one month and twenty days. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John “Johnny” Frees in August 2020; brothers, LaVern and Joseph Lutwitze; sisters, Helen (Arby) Neppel, Florence (Charles) Mitchell and Agnes Lutwitze.
Left to cherish her memory, her daughter, Karen Frees and her partner, Elaine Boehm of St. Paul, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Shirley Lutwitze of Carroll; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Over the years that John, and later Margaret, lived at The Manning Plaza (Accura Healthcare), the many kind and compassionate staff, former and present, have become extended family members and our family extends our deepest gratitude to each of them.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Margaret shared a special bond with Miss Callie and Miss Kitty, the Accura of Manning resident felines. They were nearly constant companions and helped Margaret through the long days of isolation from family and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at Sacred Heart Church in Manning, Iowa. Fr. Shinoj Jose served as Celebrant of the Mass with interment in the Manning Cemetery in Manning, Iowa. Organist Anne Muhlbauer provided accompaniment for the Sacred Heart Choir: “Here I Am, Lord,” “Amazing Grace,” “Prayer of St. Francis” and “Now Thank We All Our God.” Serving as lectors were Ruth Lally and Terri Lange. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Dennis Mitchell, Thomas Mitchell, Patrick Mitchell, Brian Mitchell, Tim Mitchell, David Mitchell, Frank Trumph, John Trumph and Gene Frees. Serving as pallbearers were Patrick Lutwitze, Larry Hansen, Steve Borkowski, Jerry Neppel, Jim Neppel, Ron Lutwitze and John Mitchell. Following the burial, the family invited everyone to return to the church for a time of fellowship and lunch. The Ohde Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. www.ohdefuneralhome.com