Robert Wade Frees Sr.
“Bob”
January 16, 1932 - February 10, 2026
Kind. Humble. Gentle. Three words. Infinite depth. Robert Wade Frees Sr. (Bob) was deeply and easily loved by all who knew him. This gentle man was a gentleman - someone whom movies and songs could be written about, so that all might know him.

Bob was born on January 16, 1932 to Wade and Jennie (Ellis) Frees, their eldest son, in the town of Omro, Wisconsin. He lived his entire life in the Omro & Oshkosh area. The last 54 years of his life were spent gardening and enjoying the peace and quiet of country living.You could often find him on his front porch, listening to the birds with his beloved dog by his side. And maybe eating a tomato sandwich with mayo. Bob was grateful for simple treasures.

Bob was a modest servant of God and loved so much about being alive: all the people, the outdoors, animals, and music. He was literally singing just days before February 10, 2026. Around 3 am, as he quietly passed, his children woke at once - though miles apart - to be with him. His children were present as he was ceremoniously, with military honors, ushered to join those who were waiting to welcome him home.

Bob attended a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Omro High School in 1950. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1952 to1954 during the Korean War. Stationed in Germany, Bob’s Military Occupational Specialty was “motor transport operator”, driving his assigned general to specific locations. Bob was at home behind the wheel. From drag racing as a teenager to driving a 4 wheeler, corvette, boats, and snowmobiles, Bob absolutely loved steering his life.

Bob married Edie (Edith) Brewster on March 20,1954 in Waukau, Wisconsin. They were married for 66 years and shared a deep love for their seven children, music, and the outdoors. The dance floors at numerous family weddings always included the two of them together.

Bob was a proud union man and worked for the Universal Foundry in Oshkosh, Wisconsin for 35 years until it closed. He served his brothers on the floor as a union steward and then as the chief steward. He later worked for Morgan Doors in Oshkosh and retired from the Citation Wisconsin Casting of Berlin, Wisconsin in 1994.

Bob was an avid Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs fan. He taught his sons how to swing a bat and catch a ball for their baseball years ahead. He played softball, was a manager, enlisted sons as bat boys and players, and took meticulous stats. His sons’ and grandsons’ love of fishing also comes directly from “Dad” or “Pa”. On lakes in northern Wisconsin, with a boat full of kids - lines all tangled up, a pole needing to be fished out of the water, and worms needing their buss-bedding, Bob always attended to his children’s needs first, forgoing his own enjoyment in order to witness theirs. Although he didn’t fish during those precious moments, he helped to make fishers of men. Once, as an adult, his daughter caught not a fish, but a long-lost pole from rock bass alley. Bob was, of course, in the boat. No, Bob did not walk on water. Unless it was frozen to catch some fish. But as he learned from his Maker, Bob instilled the love of stillness and wonder.

Bob was selfless, always taking care of his children first. He devoted his life to raising responsible, respectful children. Bob knew that his children needed him, as he needed them, resulting in a circle of love and devotion that has been passed on from generation to generation. He was extremely proud of all of his children: their character, their accomplishments, and that of his 17 grandchildren and 31 (soon to be 32; and counting) great-grandchildren! He always made sure he had cookies in the cookie jar, toys in the ottoman, candy in the treat bags, and books in the Christmas bags.

As an avid reader, Bob kept track of hundreds of books and authors. He loved to read. However, it is Bob’s life that is the true best seller. Life was not always easy. Through life’s challenges he never gave up and never gave in. Bob had profound hearing loss in his later years. But after his first pair of hearing aids, everything changed. Bird songs, conversations, and music filled him with joy.

The look on his face when he used his Bose headphones for the first time could have made a commercial. Hearing the musical depth, he discovered a new galaxy; he closed his eyes and played his air guitar, truly euphoric. Bob frequently sang with his daughters and granddaughters: Sunshine on My Shoulder, Dream Lover, Leaving on a Jet Plane, 500 miles, You’ve Got a Friend… Bob was everyone’s friend and embodied the hope of each sunrise. He loved any and ALL musicians: Carole King, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Elvis, and all country music including the group Sweetwater, whom he and his wife followed for years. Bob, even at the age of 94, danced and sang every single day!

Just as music fed his spirit, nature fed his heart. He was the Pied Piper of birds and Dr. Doolittle of kittens and dogs. All animals instinctively loved him. Kittens frequently on his heels, dogs by his side, birds fluttering near. They knew him. Because he knew them.

Bob adored his church and friends. He began his mornings reading his devotional books. He loved his Daily Bread. Sundays were (by far) Bob’s favorite day of the week.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Cheryl (Lonny) Potratz, Gillett; Gina (Robert) Jones, Suamico; his sons Robert (Barbara) Frees, Jr., Omro; Douglas (Diane) Frees, Omro; and Chad (Laurie) Frees, Oshkosh. His 17 grandchildren Katie (David) Karpowitz & Brent (Sara) Frees, Adam (Megan) Potratz, Amy (Eric) Eilers, Jacob (Karly) Potratz, & Max (Raquel Dahlke) Potratz, Genevieve (Adam) Artel, Joel (Megan) Jones, Megan (Brett) Ware, McKenzie Frees (Travis Kissinger), Jennie (Dan) Spanbauer, Shawn (Amanda) Kasper-Frees, Mitchell (Amber) Frees, Michael (Jordyn) Frees, and Adeline Frees; and step-grandchildren Amy (Chris) Nett and Lisa (Mike) Renier. Great-grandchildren include Ty Karpowitz, Grant & Daniel Frees, Kane, Ayra, & Josie Potratz, Stella, Willow, Rory, & Mila Eilers, Brookson & Zoey Potratz, Ella & Ethan Artel, Gavin, Hudson, Bennett, & Nolan Jones, Evelyn & Eloise Ware, Olin & Alvie Parrish, Soren & Roman Spanbauer, Lily & Joey Frees, Elsie (& baby) Frees, and step-great-grandchildren Chris & Amber Nett, Madelin & Faith Renier; and sisters Janice (Bill) Roeder & Shirley (Wright) Allen, sister-in-law Gloria Frees, as well as many nieces, nephews, & friends.

Preceding him in death were his wife Edie (Edith Adrienne Brewster), sons Patrick & Lee Frees, parents Wade & Jennie Frees, grandparents, John & Pearl Frees and Charles & Julia Ellis, brothers and sister-in-law Judd Frees and Russ & Ellen Frees, sister-in-law & brother-in-law Floyd & Audrey Lewellyn, father-in law Dave (Adrian) Brewster, mother-in-law Edna (Zager) Brewster Longworth, step father-in-law Chet Longworth and brother-in-law & sister-in-law Gary & Carole Longworth. And his faithful dogs Santo & Mai Tai.

"Dad, you said you were just a plain old country boy, but in the eyes and hearts of those who know you, you shine brighter than the most beautiful star. You have lit up the world with such humility, love, and joy. As the last shall be first, Dad, we know you are now upfront, center."

Bob’s life will be celebrated in the Spring, as he requested, when all is green and growing. His visitation and funeral will take place at the First Presbyterian Church of Omro, Wisconsin, date and time to be determined, with burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in the town of Poygan. A celebration will follow.

Thank you to all of Bob’s helpers including the Veterans Affairs, Advocap Nutrition Program, Mercy Medical Staff, the wonderful staff at Parkview Health Center and ThedaCare Hospice. Your compassion and tender care will be forever remembered. Bob thought of you as angels.