Ben Freudenstein's Obituary
Ben Maxwell Freudenstein, age 92, passed away at Living Life Care Home in University Place, Washington on Friday, November 24, 2017.
On December 2, 1924, he was born in Tacoma, Washington to Hazel and Roy Freudenstein. Ben attended Lincoln High School and graduated in 1942. He joined the United States Navy upon graduation and served in the Pacific Theater during WWII. On February 1, 1947, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Wilton. They were deeply devoted to each other for 66 years. Together they raised six children, and helped care for 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Ben was completely dedicated to his family. His family came before all else.
In 1950, Ben joined the Iron Workers Local Union #114 in Tacoma. Throughout his 65 year career as an iron worker, he worked in various positions. He also held a seat on the executive board and served as president of his union. In the last few years of his career, he was an instructor for the Iron Workers Apprenticeship Program.
In his retirement years, Ben was known as an expert gardener, talented metal worker, and avid reader. His sharp mind, keen insight, and contagious sense of humor always made for a pleasurable conversation with Ben. Everyone looked forward to their next visit with him.
Ben will also be very fondly remembered for being a sincere and humble man who lived his faith. He spent much of his life caring for others. He was a loyal parish member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. His strong, caring nature was known to everyone in his community. In his final years, his days were filled with praying for others and reading scriptures. He became an exemplar of his Christian faith and was a profound role model for all who knew him.
He is survived by his brother, Lloyd Freudenstein; sons, Tom (Shirley) Freudenstein, and Max Freudenstein; daughters, Teresa (Deryl) Ross, Susan (Randy) Burke, Peggy (Tim) Nord; and daughter-in-law, Patty Freudenstein. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marilyn and loving son, David Freudenstein.
The family would like to give special thanks and appreciation to Chona and Rey Aquinde and the staff of Living Life Care Home for their dedication and loving care of both Ben and Marilyn for the past 10 years.
Services will be held at Sacred Heart Parish in Tacoma on Monday, December 4th at 11:00 AM.
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