Ellen Mae (Diel) Frees

Ellen Mae Frees, 89, of Omro went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Ellen was born on December 30, 1933 to the late George and Mary (Macho) Diel. She married Russell Frees Sr. on June 25, 1955 and they had eight children together.

Ellen stayed at home to raise her brood of children. She was a terrific cook and homemaker. Ellen loved spending time with family – whether it was every Sunday after church, or holidays or vacations. She enjoyed cooking meals for the family whenever they got together. Ellen for years sang in the church choir and was a part of the Ladies Aid at the Methodist Church – making meals for others. She was a quiet, humble, and faithful servant of God. Ellen loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Ellen was a long-time member of the Eureka United Methodist Church & more recently a member of First United Methodist Church in Oshkosh, where her son, Russell Frees Jr. is pastor.

Ellen is survived by her children Susan Frees, Russell (Kathy) Frees Jr., David (Deborah) Frees, Kathy (Aaron) Hawkinson, Marie (Brett) Jornod, and Gary (Tracy) Frees; her daughter-in-law Tanya Frees; her 13 grandchildren John David (Kristen), Joshua (Bree), Joel (Corbyn), Libby, Christopher, Alyssa (Bret), Ashley, Andrew, Spencer, Madison, Shelby, Emily, and Carson; as well as her great-grandchildren Finley, Londyn, Phoenix, and Sloane. She is also survived by her sisters – Florie Diel, Mary Haasch, Rose (Ralph) Watkins, her sisters-in-law Janice (Bill) Roeder, Shirley (Wright) Allen; Gloria Frees, & Iris Diel, and brother-in-law Robert Frees, and numerous nieces & nephews.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband Russell Sr., sons Thomas “Tom” Frees and John Frees; her parents George and Mary Diel; her brothers George (Delaine) Diel and John (Sandy) Diel; her sisters Joan (Bud) Doro and Frances Diel; her father and mother-in law Wade and Jennie Frees; and in-laws Gerald (Judd) Frees, and Edith Frees.

The funeral is set for Thursday, May 11th at 10am at the Oshkosh United Methodist Church, 700 W Linwood Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54901.

The family would like to thank everyone who helped with the care of our mother; especially Susan Frees, Kathy Hawkinson, Kathy Frees, and Tanya Frees for their hard work and compassion.