Claude A. Freel, Jr.

Claude A. Freel Jr., age 93, a longtime resident of Northville, passed away September 11, 2023. He was born on March 12, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan; son of Claude and Irma Freel. He graduated from Cooley High School in Detroit, class of 1947. He continued his education at Eastern Michigan University studying History and Economics and earning a bachelor's degree. Claude proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during from 1952 until 1955. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Shirley (Shirley Crowe) on December 27, 1952; married for over 41 years until her death on Marh 18, 1993.

Claude was a salesman with Allstate Insurance Company for 40 years; he retired in 2000. Claude made Honor Ring frequently and enjoyed the conferences from Bermuda to Hawaii. With his infectious smile and outgoing personality, he quickly made friends wherever he went. He was a founding member of Ward Presbyterian Church. His dedication to God was a huge part of his life and brought him everlasting joy.

If you knew Claude well, you knew he spent a lot of his time on the golf course. He was a member of Lakelands Country Club and Northville Hills for years. Claude and Shirley traveled and enjoyed playing their favorite courses of Pebble Beach, Spyglass, Cypress Point, and Mauna Kea. Claude and Shirley and friends enjoyed playing St. Andrews, Scotland, Ballybunion, Ireland, and Carnoustie U.K. enjoying the friendships. Claude was a talented photographer who passed on his love of photography to his family who were his favorite subjects. He created many fond memories with his family during vacations. Claude enjoyed the adventures he had when he took his family traveling. Claude's love of sports began as a young boy with his mother taking him to the Detroit Tiger baseball games. He went to multiple World Series games and followed the Tigers throughout his life.

Claude adored dogs, he named his first dogs Piston and Flaps because of his love of flying. Eventually cats won him over as well, especially Caramel. After his time in the Air Force, Claude remained in touch with the men he served alongside. He enjoyed attending his High School reunions and reminiscing about his younger years. Claude was an avid reader who loved learning and reading about history.

In 1963, Claude was diagnosed with cancer. Knowing what people would endure, he selflessly volunteered at Harper Hospital to console patients who went through the same surgery. He provided the care and comfort they needed. Claude was an honorable, loving, and gentle husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.

Claude is survived by his children, Claude (Debbie) Freel III, Michele (Tom) Sonk, and Christine (Dan Thomas) Stewart; his grandchildren Mary Freel, Michael (Jessica) Sonk, Michele (Matt) Castle, Cameron (Allison Bell) Stewart, and Connor Stewart; and his great grandchildren, Dominic, KeKe, and Rylie, children of Mary; Matthew and Landon, sons of Michael; and Ricky, son of Cameron. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his son-in-law Richard Stewart.

A celebration of Claude's life will be held Friday, September 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with a time of gathering beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Ward Presbyterian Church, 40000 Six Mile Road, Northville, MI 48168.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Humane Society of Huron Valley , 3100 Cherry Hill Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.