Bruce H. Freise - Obituary

ruce Harry Freise, a caring father and successful businessman, passed away at his home in Annapolis, MD, on August 23, 2024, at the age of 89. Bruce was born on July 6, 1935, to the late Harry and Hazel Freise (née Swingler) in Florissant, MO. He married Constance “Connie” Clark, the college roommate of his late sister Peggy McGinnis (née Freise), on July 26, 1959. After a few moves at the start of their careers and family, they settled in Racine, WI, where they raised their three children. He attended the University of Missouri before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. Upon his return, he worked in his father’s five and dime store before joining Western Publishing Company (publisher of Little Golden Books) as a salesman. He excelled in sales and received many promotions, ultimately becoming Vice President of the International Division. Drawn to water, Bruce was a swimmer and a lifeguard in his youth. While living in Racine, he taught himself (and later his children) how to sail. In the summertime, he could be found sailing every Wednesday evening on Lake Michigan as part of the Racine Yacht Club’s racing series. An active member of the Club for decades, he also served as its Commodore. After retiring, he and Connie lived in several places including Hilton Head, SC; Williamsburg, VA; on a cruiser boat; and Naples, FL before moving to Annapolis. Wherever they lived, Bruce had a boat, a kayak or both and could be found on the water or swimming laps in a nearby pool. Some of his favorite memories are his annual trips through the Atlantic Intracoastal Water with a buddy or two and cruising the waterways and living aboard their boat Happy Hours with Connie. Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Connie Freise and three children: Catherine Chester (Dave), Clark Freise (Amy), and Heather Tredup (Steve). He is also survived by four grandchildren of whom he was immensely proud: Zachary and Nathaniel Chester and Meghan and Emily Freise, and many nieces and nephews. Per Bruce’s request, no funeral services will be held. Memorial donations and donations in lieu of flowers be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake Foundation, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122 (please note Bruce’s name on the memo line) or online at: Hospice of the Chesapeake. Online condolences may be offered using the Memories link on this page.