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Paul Freese
PAUL FREESE
Cedar Rapids
Paul Fred Freese, 41, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, March 19, 2016, at his mother's home in Marion, completing a three-year journey with anaplastic astrocytoma brain cancer.
Paul was born Jan. 30, 1975, in Cedar Rapids, to Roger D. and Mary Sue (Reilly) Freese of Clarence.
He graduated from Clarence-Lowden High School in Clarence in 1993 and the University of Iowa in 1997, receiving his B.A. degree in art. He worked as a graphic designer, spending the last 16 years with BIC, formerly Norwood, and Souvenir, Inc.
Theatre was Paul's true passion, and from an early age he enjoyed acting, whether it was donning costumes, creating characters or doing impressions. Paul was a standout performer in high school and was a member of West Side Players in college. He appeared in several productions at Theatre Cedar Rapids and Mount Vernon/Lisbon Community Theatre, as well as several short films.
Paul is survived by his mother, Mary; brother, Eric; sister-in-law, Amanda; and nephews, Evan and Owen, all of Marion; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents, Herbert and Verda Freese and Daniel and Mary Reilly.
Paul and his family would like to thank the staff of Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University, the Ghosh Center, Hospice of Mercy, Uncle Dan Reilly and other relatives who helped with care, and the friends and family who offered love and support through this journey.
Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hiawatha by Father Mark Ressler. A luncheon will follow. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, at Murdoch Funeral Home, Marion, where a Scripture service will be recited at 8 p.m. Friends also may call from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church before the service. Burial: 2 p.m., St. John's UCC Cemetery, Clarence.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Please share a memory of Paul at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.
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