Mildred Clarkson-Freyer

Mildred Clarkson-Freyer, 94, of Preston, IA, passed away on February 14th at Laporte Indiana Hospital. Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, February 21st, at 11am at St John’s Lutheran church, Preston. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5-8pm at Law-Jones funeral home in Preston, and 1 hour before the funeral at the church. Burial will take place immediately following the funeral at Preston cemetery followed by a luncheon at the church.

Mildred was born on June 25th, 1929, in Andrew, IA, the daughter of Edward and Esther (Butterworth) Janssen. She was a 1946 graduate of Preston High School and attended Cornell (IA) College for 1.5 years. She was united in marriage to Vernon Clarkson on 22, 1948. They had 3 children, Michael(deceased), Ellen, and Patrick. Vernon preceded her in death in July 2004. She married Herbert Freyer on February 18th, 2006 in Preston.

She was a Girl Scout (60 year pin), 25 year local Leader, 25 year Day Camp Director, and served 2 terms on the Girl Scout Council Board receiving the Thanks Badge and Outstanding Leader pin. She was an active member of the Preston Women’s Club and American Legion Auxiliary since 1948. She was an active member of the church and served as Mission in Action chair for over 20 years. Mildred was instrumental in starting the Preston Library and served as librarian for 25 years. She sang in the Country Choral for many years. She enjoyed reading, knitting, and camping.

She is survived by her children, Ellen(Phil) Catarella of Slidell, LA, Patrick(Debby) Clarkson of Buchanan, MI, 3 step children, Sandra May of Cedar Rapids, Stephen(Helaine) Freyer of Louisville, KY, Daniel(Mary) Freyer of Ft Branch, IN; grandchildren Anne Lawson, Michelle(Scott) Mitchell, Alison(Chris) Michel, April Catarella, Joseph(Whitney) Catarella, Lynn(Dan) Grenough, Lara Clarkson; 12 great-grandchildren and 7 step great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, sister, and oldest son.

Memorials may be directed to the St John’s Lutheran Church in Preston or the Preston Public Library.