Geraldine "Gerry" Freise

Geraldine "Gerry" Freise, age 96, of Nixa passed away Tuesday, November 20, 2018. She was born April 19, 1922 in Desloge, Missouri to Marion and Rose (Boatwright) Bell. She was raised in Desloge and graduated high school there. She married Ted Freise on December 25, 1939 at age 17. Gerry and Ted opened Buttermilk Springs Resort on Table Rock Lake in 1960, and Gerry managed the resort until Ted retired from McDonnell Douglas and moved full-time to the area. Gerry was a very outgoing person and enjoyed talking to and getting to know her customers. When her husband Ted passed away in 1970 after 30 years of marriage, Geraldine moved to the Saint Louis area to be close to her mother and brother. Gerry's last move was back to Table Rock Lake, next door to her daughter Barbara, and son-in-law David. Gerry lived a full life, and enjoyed reading mysteries and keeping flower gardens. She also cherished spending time with family, especially during the holidays with her grandson and his family. Geraldine is survived by her daughter Barbara Latimer, her husband David of Nixa; a grandson Brian Latimer, his wife Patricia of San Jose, CA; a grandson Korey Latimer; Stanley Bennett of Bismarck; nephew Doug Bell, his wife Rose and their children, also of Bismarck. Geraldine is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers Howard Bell and Bus Bell; and her niece Beverly Bennett. A visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Saturday, November 24, 2018 in Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. A private burial will be held at Valhalla Cemetery, St. Louis.