Victor E. DeFreese

Victor E. DeFreese, 94, of Elkhart, passed away on March 14, 2017 at home. He was born on February 19, 1923 in Elkhart, IN to John and Della Marie (Fay) DeFreese. He was married to Lorna A. Laurie. He then married Eleanor (Beckwith) Books . She preceded him in death in 2004.

He is survived by his children: Kelli (Robby) Fredrickson of Elkhart; Kimberly DeFreese of Elkhart; Robert (Georgia) Barnes of Elkhart; Randi Barnes of Louisville, KY; Sandra (Floyd) Chesser of Buckeye, AZ; Vickie (Chet) Balcom of Union, MI; 14 Grandchildren: Ashley, Kesley, Timmy, Michael, Kory, Stephanie, Courtney, Joshua, Jessica, and Christian; 15 Great-Grandchildren; and a brother, John A. (Delores) DeFreese of Eklhart. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers: Richard and James DeFreese; and a sister, Norma.

He served his country honorably in the United States Army in WWII.

He was the owner of DeFreese Construction and Hopman-DeFreese Picture Framing. He was a member of the Elk’s Lodge in Sturgis, MI.

Friends may visit with the family on Sunday March 19, 2017 from 2-5 PM at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home. Georgia Barnes will officiate. A celebration of life will be on Monday at 1 PM at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Rice Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the U.S. Army and DAV #19.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association.