Cover photo for Joseph Freund's Obituary
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Joseph Freund

July 22, 1934 — October 27, 2024

Lake Barrington

Joseph Freund

Joseph Freund, 90, of Lake Barrington passed away peacefully at home on October 27, 2024. He was born on July 22, 1934 in Steinerleinbach, Germany to Georg and Maria Freund. He was the third of seven children. While in Germany, Joe completed the sixth grade then went on to study and train to be a master cabinetmaker. In the late 1950's, Joe left his hometown and family, and traveled to the United States in search of the American Dream.

Always a hard worker, Joe's dreams quickly became reality. He began working for a custom furniture maker creating one of a kind pieces built to last and to perfection, but Joe always kept his dreams of owning his own business and home in sight. He met Gerda Urban at a German dance hall in 1967 and they married on May 6, 1967. In that same year, he started his own manufacturing company, Jay Gee Wood Products. His work and family was his passion for the next 50+ years. He began purchasing building after building, not satisfied until the full city block of 1800 - 1850 W Fulton St in Chicago was his and up and running. But, his wheels were still turning. Next thing you know, in the early 1990's, he was moving the entire operation to Mexico, where he saw more opportunity for growth and of course, construction.

Simply put, Joe just loved to work. His true passion was his work, but he was so much more and had so much more to give. If you needed it, (or more likely if he wanted you to have it), whatever it was he made it happen. He was a dedicated family man and friend to so, so many. He truly enjoyed spending his free time traveling back to Germany visiting, talking and storytelling with friends and family, road tripping across the US with Gerda, taking his family on countless ski trips, watching the best boxers on Pay per View TV and no one can forget his love of dogs and new cars. Just the thought of new puppies or a new car would put that smile on his face. He could never have enough of them or be without one, (or usually more.)

The last few years slowed him down, but one could see the wheels were already turning and he was dreaming of what he would do in his next chapter. We're sure he's already started. Go get 'em Joe!

In addition to his wife, Gerda, Joseph is survived by his children, Peter C. (Tracy) Freund, Victoria M. (Dan) Nass, Joseph C.A.(Barbara) Freund; his grandchildren Max, Hugo, Oskar, Hans, Heidi, Klaus, Ingrid, Bruno, Sabine, Lidia, Eva; brothers, Georg, Karl, Rupert.

He is preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter, Anna; stepmother Margaret, and sisters Maria, Emma, and Anne.

Visitation will be Monday, November 4, 2024 from 9:30 AM until the funeral mass at 11 AM at Saint Anne Catholic Community, 120 Ela St (corner of Franklin and Ela Sts.), Barrington. Burial will follow at Windridge Memorial Park, Cary, IL.


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Past Services

Visitation

Monday, November 4, 2024

9:30 - 11:00 am (Central time)

Saint Anne Catholic Community

120 Ela St, Barrington, IL 60010

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Mass

Monday, November 4, 2024

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

Saint Anne Catholic Community

120 Ela St, Barrington, IL 60010

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Burial

Monday, November 4, 2024

Starts at 12:30 pm (Central time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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