Gary Lee Frieling, age 79, of rural Fort Atkinson, died at Rainbow Hospice Care Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin on April 27, 2025, after a brief illness.   

He was born on March 8, 1946, in Applington, Iowa to Herman and Dena Frieling.  He grew up on a farm in Butler County, Iowa, attended a one-room country school (walking across the pasture next to his house to get there), and graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1964.  He was involved in Future Farmers of America and played tight end for the Parkersburg high school football team, earning Player of the Year in 1963.

Following high school graduation, Gary began farming and married his high school sweetheart, Joan Patterson, on September 10, 1965.  He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1965-1971.  Gary farmed in northeast Iowa, southwest Iowa, and south central Wisconsin.  He also drove semi-truck both over-the-road and locally.  Gary enjoyed gardening, yard work, biking, and being physically active.  He had a heart for serving others. 

Gary trusted Christ as his Savior in 1976 and was a member of First Baptist Church of Fort Atkinson.  One of his favorite Scripture passages was Ephesians 2:8-10:  “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

Gary is survived by daughters Tammy Stille (Brian) of Black Creek, Wisconsin; Cindy Estell (Scott) of Ypsilanti, Michigan; and Marcia Carlson (Ron) of Appleton, Wisconsin; grandchildren Elizabeth, Isaac, Emily, Zack, John (Taylor), Jim (Abbie), Katie, Mike, Luke, Jake, and Rebekah Stille; Nate, Josh (Susanna), Caleb, Ben, and Bethany Estell; great grandson Landon Estell; and sisters Marlys (Ron) of Allison, Iowa and Betty (Jack) Hansen of New Castle, Wyoming.  His best friend and beautiful wife of 59 years, Joan Frieling, preceded him in death on January 21 of this year.  He is also preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Dena Frieling; infant son, Jonathon Gary Frieling; two infant grandchildren; and one infant great grandchild.  

Visitation will take place at 10:00am on Friday, May 2, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Fort Atkinson (420 Whitewater Ave) with Rev. David Neal presiding.  A funeral service will begin at 11:00am at the church, followed by a graveside service at Ebenezer Moravian Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations be made to First Baptist Church of Fort Atkinson or Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek.