Gerald “Jerry” Francis Freetly
Saturday, July 22, 1933
Date of Death:
Friday, January 12, 2024
Age:
90 years old
Visitation
Date: Wednesday January 17, 2024
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Thursday January 18, 2024
Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location: Co-Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist [ view map ]
Funeral Mass
Date: Thursday January 18, 2024
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Co-Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]
Saturday, July 22, 1933
Date of Death:
Friday, January 12, 2024
Age:
90 years old
Saturday, July 22, 1933
Date of Death:
Friday, January 12, 2024
Age:
90 years old
Gerald “Jerry” Francis Freetly
Gerald “Jerry” Freetly passed away peacefully on January 12, 2024 in Rochester, MN. He had received last rites from Fr. Loomis and was surrounded by loved ones.
Gerald Francis Freetly was born July 22,1933 in Fulda, Minnesota to the late Glen and Anne Freetly. After graduating high school in1950 he went on to serve in the Navy. Following his service, he attended Dunwoody College of Technology. He began his professional career at IBM where he worked until his retirement in 1991. Early in his career one of his proudest professional achievements was serving as an IBM engineer for NASA working on the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs. Jerry was proud of doing his part to help the United States reach the moon. In 1961 he met Carmela Garfalo while participating in a catholic singles group at their parish’s Newman Center. In 1962 they were married in Merritt Island Florida. They later moved to Rochester, Minnesota in 1975 where the couple lived until the passing of his wife in 1997.
After the passing of Carmela, Jerry went on to pursue a vocation as a Deacon. He was ordained in 2005 and went on to serve as a Deacon at St. John’s for 15 years. Through his work as a Deacon, he supported parish members, worked with those incarcerated, and was a help to many in the Rochester community. In addition to serving as a Deacon, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on cars, and spending time with family.
Jerry is survived by his four sons – Glen (Susan) of Iron, MN, James of Rocklin, CA, Paul (Melissa), and Neil (Missie), both of Rochester, MN. He is also survived by nine grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Carmela, his sisters Colletta and Betty, and brother Harold.
A Funeral Mass in Jerry’s honor will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, with Bishop Robert Barron officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 17, 2024 from 4:00-7:00pm in the River Park Chapel in Macken Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Seeds of Wisdom (sowsouthsudan.org).
Condolences
The family of Gerald “Jerry” Francis Freetly has received the following condolences.
A Special Salute to Jerry! I knew Jerry at IBM but had not seen him for many years until Jerry started attending Serra Club of Rochester’s yearly Priests & Deacons Golf Outing and Banquet at Willow Creek Golf Center. ALWAYS had a great time catching up with Jerry & enjoyed seeing many DOWR priests, deacons (and seminarians) socializing! As Fr. Lasuba shared during Jerry’s funeral mass - Jerry characterized a GREAT follower of Jesus!!
A Special Salute to Jerry! I knew Jerry at IBM but had not seen him for many years until Jerry started attending Serra Club of Rochester’s yearly Priests & Deacons Golf Outing and Banquet at Willow Creek Golf Center. ALWAYS had a great time catching up with Jerry & enjoyed seeing many DOWR priests, deacons (and seminarians) socializing! As Fr. Lasuba shared during Jerry’s funeral mass - Jerry characterized a GREAT follower of Jesus!!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I met your dad almost 20 years ago. And I had the privilege to work with him 6 years while I was in St. John’s I called him Deacon trouble, I love his laugh, his pink cheeks and always willing to help those in need.
I remember him teaching Fr. John to drive and I remember his homilies. I love the stories of NASA. I was glad I was able to say hi a few months ago in church. I’m glad he is reunited with your mom. He will be dearly miss and loved forever in the hearts of those he touched.
veronica
I’m so sorry for your loss. I met your dad almost 20 years ago. And I had the privilege to work with him 6 years while I was in St. John’s I called him Deacon trouble, I love his laugh, his pink cheeks and always willing to help those in need.
I remember him teaching Fr. John to drive and I remember his homilies. I love the stories of NASA. I was glad I was able to say hi a few months ago in church. I’m glad he is reunited with your mom. He will be dearly miss and loved forever in the hearts of those he touched.
veronica
I’m so sorry for your loss. I met your dad almost 20 years ago. And I had the privilege to work with him 6 years while I was in St. John’s I called him Deacon trouble, I love his laugh, his pink cheeks and always willing to help those in need.
I remember him teaching Fr. John to drive and I remember his homilies. I love the stories of NASA. I was glad I was able to say hi a few months ago in church. I’m glad he is reunited with your mom. He will be dearly miss and loved forever in the hearts of those he touched.
veronica
When we would gather together in the diocese as deacons, Jerry usually had something positive to say. He was always encouraging whenever I would speak to him individually. He had a sense of humor. He was a man of faith and believed that each of us can make a difference in helping others who may be in need. The care that he had for the well being of others gave him great energy.,
Our heartfelt and sincere prayers and condolences go out to Uncle Jerry's family, especially his 4 sons - Glen, Jim, Paul, Neil - and their wives and children.
We have many precious and loving memories of Uncle Jerry. He, Aunty Carmela and the boys came up to NY every other year and stayed at Grandma Garofalo's house in Brooklyn, NY. Uncle Jerry and Aunty Carmela came up to Brewster, NY for our wedding rehearsal dinner and then participated at our wedding on 5/22/1993 by not only attending the wedding but also by each of them doing a reading at the Mass. We remember dinner from soup to nuts with Uncle Jerry, Glen, and Sue at the Taocoma Restaurant in Peekskill, NY just before COVID. Oh what great family fun!
We remember Uncle Jerry's grace. humor. love, and devotion to family. He was truly a great man. father, Deacon, uncle, and friend. Everyone who loved and knew him were better for it.
We love you Uncle Jerry. You will always be in our hearts and forever a part of our lives. May you be happy with God and His Blessed Mother and all the angels and saints in Heaven.
Angela, Tom, Marcellus, & Amadeus Valasunas
Jerry was the most wonderful friend anyone could have. We were neighbors for over 20 years and worked together at IBM. When I needed help the most, Jerry was there not needing to be asked. He took me and my dog in and helped me get back on my feet. I only wish that everyone will have a Jerry Freetly in their lives. May Jerry's spirit look down on all of us. God bless his sons and their families.
My sympathy to all of the members of the Freetly Family. Jerry was a part of our Tuesday/Thursday Golf Group and also "The Back Pew Group" at St. Johns Catholic Church. Jerry was a fun guy and a Righteous Man. Rochester, Minnesota and the Catholic Community was blessed to have Jerry. God Bless.
Neil, my thoughts are with you. Sorry on the passing of your father.
Our sincere sympathy to all of the Freetly family on Jerry's passing. He was a generous and faith filled man. May he rest in peace.
Jim and Sandy Mueller
Uncle Jerry as he is lovingly known by his nephews and nieces. Beloved by all who have been blessed to have known this man, extraordinaire. A steady beam on life’s often difficult course. Always offering a gentle word to encourage, a warm smile to uplift, and a big embrace that both comforted and protected. Ever thoughtful, inexhaustibly kind, and a faithful vigilant example of God’s love.
Our uncle, you have given us special memories and yours will be forever imprinted in our hearts.
The O’Neill Family
Jerry's was one of the most authentic people I have ever known. He was kind and generous to me even when I didn't deserve his grace. A thoughtful and gentle spouse, father, and grandfather...everyone who knew him was a better person for having them in their life. The earth is a little darker today, but the heavens are so much brighter with his presence. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family....may you be blessed with the grace, kindness, and forgiveness of Jerry's spirit.