Freddie R. Van Ersvelde, 85, of Grinnell, died Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Mayflower Health Center, with family by his side.

A Celebration Gathering for Janice and Freddie will be held on Saturday,  February 15, 2025 from 2pm to 5pm at Cox-Smith Funeral and Cremation Service. Memorials may be sent in care of Cox-Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 163, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.

Freddie was born on December 15, 1939, the son of Raymond and Rachel Van Ersvelde in Montezuma, Iowa. He graduated from Montezuma High School in 1958. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge.

On February 12, 1965 he married the love of his life, Janice Turner at the First Baptist Church in Grinnell. The couple were the proud parents of four children, Debbie (Tom) Patten, Joseph Van Ersvelde, Eugene (Julie) Van Ersvelde, and April (Rodney) Isaac, all of Grinnell.

Freddie was a maintenance man at Farmhand Inc. in Grinnell for 28 years. He later worked for Jeld-Wen Doors in Grinnell, retiring in 2004. Freddie enjoyed working in his garage, hunting, fishing, mowing, watching Grit TV and chatting with his many friends. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his four children and their spouses, 8 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren with one more to arrive in April 2025, and many very special friends.

Freddie was preceded in death by his parents; sister Betty Van Ersvelde; his wife's parents Vernon (Red) and MaxineTurner; and his wife Janice.