Tony Freund

Anthony “Tony” G. Freund, Jr., age 68, of rural Lewis, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at his home on the family farm, surrounded by his family.

Born on October 13, 1955, Tony was the son of Anton “Tony” J. and Helen D. (Zimmer) Freund. Tony was raised and lived near Lewis, Iowa, on the family farm, where he later graduated from Griswold High School in 1973. Following graduation, Tony moved to Colorado and worked for his brother-in-law, Leroy Redler, alongside many of his lifelong friends constructing steel buildings. After a few years in Colorado, Tony returned home to work on the family farm, where he developed his love and passion for the cattle business, so much so that Tony was still selling cattle four days prior to his passing. Tony coupled his passion for farming and cattle with his love for family, working alongside his father, Tony Sr., and brother, Mike, operating as T.M.T Farms. After the passing of Tony Sr., Tony and Mike continued operating the farm as Freund Bros. where subsequently Tony’s sons (Alex and Nick) and nephew (Joe) continued the family tradition of working the farm. Tony took immense pride in seeing his sons carry on the family legacy with the same dedication and work ethic he helped instill in them.

Tony married Rhea C. Amos in September of 1987, and to this union, they were blessed with five children: Marie, Brandi, Alex, Jeana, and Nick. He loved his children unconditionally and ensured that faith and family were strongly embedded in their lives. A phrase he would commonly provide as a gentle reminder during trying times was “If you don’t have family, you don’t have anything.” Tony was a devout Catholic and a lifelong member of SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church who always made it a priority that the family attend church every weekend to help foster deep and enduring faith. Tony was exceptionally proud of the loving and thriving families his children built and found great joy in watching them create their own legacies rooted in faith and family. He was a dedicated grandfather who cherished every moment spent with his eight beloved grandchildren. Tony was blessed with seven consecutive granddaughters with the eight being a grandson. He would say he has 7 queens and 1 king (or a joker, yet to be determined…). You could always see that extra twinkle in his eyes anytime he was around his grandchildren.

Tony was also a steadfast and loyal friend to many. He had a remarkable ability to put a smile on others’ faces and bring laughter and fun into any situation. It would be difficult to stop by any social function in the Cass County area and not find a friend of Tony (who you may also hear called by one of his many nicknames including: J.R., Tone, Duck, Tone Dawg, Papa Tony). You could always count on him for a good story or inappropriate joke. Somehow, no matter the time or place, he would have a bottle of champagne (Asti) ready for any occasion. Many of Tony’s hobbies outside of the farm and family were enjoyed with his many friends. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, hunting, ice fishing, shooting guns, and “DA Bears”. Tony’s friendships were a testament to the type of person he was, and his unwavering loyalty and support for those around him created bonds that will continue for a lifetime.

Tony is survived by Rhea Freund and his five children: Marie Hilton (Jimmy) of Gilbert, Arizona, Brandi Golay (Alex) of West Des Moines, Iowa, Alex Freund (Emily) of Atlantic, Iowa, Jeana Mullinix (Ralph IV) of Ocala, Florida and Nick Freund of Lewis, Iowa; eight grandchildren: Logan Hilton, Camryn Hilton, Ruth Golay, Lennon Golay, Grey Golay, Claire Freund, Chloe Freund and Laurel Mullinix; a brother: Mike Freund (Debbie); four sisters: Jean Gerschermann, Sherry Stodolski (Neil), Carole Lowe and Julia Freund; two sisters-in-law: Linda Freund-Ebbinga and Marilyn Freund; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Tony in death are his parents, Anton and Helen Freund; two brothers, Charles “Chuck” Freund, and Jack Freund; two sisters, Mary Lea Freund, and Joan Redler; three brothers-in-law, Leroy Redler, George Lowe, and Heinz Gerschermann.

Tony’s legacy of faith and family will forever live on in the hearts of those he held most dear.

Visitation with the family will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2024, from 3 to 5 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 5 at the SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic, IA.

The Mass of Christian Burial will also be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 12, 2024, at the SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, with Fr. Trevor Chicoine as the Celebrant. A reception will follow the mass, and the Blue Bird Event Center just east of Atlantic.

A family interment will take place at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Tony Freund Family. They will be designated in his name at a later date. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

Services are handled with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic, IA.