Obit: Freisinger, John Joseph (1915 – 2004)

Contact: Lisa Haas
Email: lisa@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Freisinger, Henke. Linfelder

----Source: La Crosse (WI) Tribune

Freisinger, John Joseph (14 JUL 1915 – 03 AUG 2004)

John Joseph Freisinger, longtime prominent local insurance business owner, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2004. John was born July 14, 1915, to George H. Freisinger Sr. and Ella (Leinfelder) Freisinger.
He graduated from Aquinas in 1933 where he had been president of the debate club. He was a skilled debater and won many debates. He was also a track star for Aquinas. He attended La Crosse Normal School before becoming an insurance and real estate agent.

He was a talented musician, playing the piano and banjo. He was in a group with Myron Floren who later went on to star in the Lawrence Welk Band.

In 1935, he joined the John Pettingel Agency. He later became partner with John's son, Claude. Upon Claude's death, he became sole owner. He later partnered with Earl Stuckert and his son, L. Peter Freisinger. He continued in the business until April 1, 2003. He is remembered by his clients for his dedication and service to them.

He was a past member of the La Crosse County Board, the Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus and the Elks Club.

He was an avid golfer and cross-country skier and a member of the Hixon Forest Nature committees. The mayor and the Friends of Hixon Forest cited him for his work on the Hixon Forest. The Bicentennial Trail is named in his honor.
His hobbies also included bridge and photography. He served as treasurer for the La Crosse Camera Club for more than 30 years.

His sons, L. Peter (Joline) Freisinger of La Crosse, and Joel G. (Lori) Freisinger of West Allis, Wis., survive him along with two grandchildren, Brian J. Freisinger of San Francisco, Calif., and Kristine K. Freisinger of Mc Clean, Va.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, George H. Freisinger Jr.; and his wife, Veronica (Henke) Freisinger.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday Aug. 9, in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 130 Losey Blvd., La Crosse. The Rev. Robert Hundt will officiate with burial to be held in Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse.