Vernon Freichels

Vernon J. "Vern" Freichels, age 74 of Sauk Centre, passed away Monday, January 10, 2011 at the St. Benedict's Senior Community in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 14 at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. James Statz officiating. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 8 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre. Parish prayers will be held at 5 p.m. followed by the Knights of Columbus at 7 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Vernon Joseph Freichels was born September 2, 1936 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Henry and Adelaide (Werner) Freichels. Vern was raised in St. Cloud and on May 19, 1962 he was united in marriage to Arlene Koopmeiners at St. Anthony Catholic Church in St. Cloud. Vern was employed by Northwestern Bell and later U.S. West. In 1966, the couple moved to Sauk Centre. Vern retired at the age of 55 but continued to keep busy by working as a driving instructor in Sauk Centre. Vern enjoyed fixing televisions and radios. He also enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, swimming, taking family vacations and spending quality time with friends and family.

Vern was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, Bishop Busch Council 4863 Knights of Columbus, Crosier Apostolate, Communication Workers of America, and the National Rifleman's Association.

Survivors include his wife Arlene Freichels of Sauk Centre; children, Thomas Freichels of St. Cloud, Deborah (John) O'Meara of Rochester, Pamela Stowell of Sauk Centre, and Kathryn (fiance, Vance VanDenheuvel) Freichels of St. Cloud; four grandchildren, Kristina and Kaitlyn O'Meara and Eric and Nicole Stowell; sister, Mary Severin of Arizona; and brother, James Freichels of Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his son, Gary Freichels on January 19, 1979; parents, Henry and Adelaide Freichels; and brother, Robert Freichels.

Serving as casket bearers will be John O'Meara, Don Schlichting, Dick Ruhoff, Vance VanDenheuvel, Clarence Trisko, and Stan Patyk. Cross bearer will be Kristina O'Meara and scripture bearer will be Eric Stowell. Honorary bearers will be Mike Zirbes, Elmer Orth, Gene Jennissen and other members of the Knights of Columbus. Gift bearers will be Nicole Stowell, Pamela Stowell, Kaitlyn O'Meara, and Deborah O'Meara.Lectors will be John O'Meara, Richard Ruhoff, and Carol Trisko.