Howard Junior Freihage

Howard Junior Freihage
Des Moines, Iowa

Howard Junior Freihage, 85, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025, in Des Moines. He was born June 11, 1939, in Creston, Iowa, to Willie and Lorna (Mohr) Freihage.

A master mechanic with unmatched skill, Howard had an ability to fix what others couldn’t. Whether it was a car, a household problem, or a challenge no one else could figure out, Howard had a solution. His talents were wide-ranging, and his creativity and persistence were admired by all who knew him.

Howard dedicated much of his career to Holmes Oldsmobile. He later worked at Beneventi Chevrolet in Granger and Contractor’s Rental, where he built strong friendships and found joy in his work. No matter how long his day was, he would come home, take a quick nap, enjoy dinner, and head out to his garage, working late into the night to provide for his family and help others with their vehicles. He was known for his fairness, generosity, and unshakeable work ethic.

Above all, Howard was a family man. He never missed his kids’ games, concerts, or events, always showing up with pride and support. He treasured time with his children and grandchildren, and his legacy lives on through them.

He was especially proud of his restored 1940 Brandywine Ford Coupe—a true labor of love—and the home he built with his wife, Sandy, before her unexpected passing. Howard enjoyed dancing, fishing (no matter the size of the catch), trying his luck at casinos, playing cards, tending to his lawn, and taking on any project others deemed impossible.

Howard is survived by his children: Jodi (Ron) Christensen, James (Cyndi) Freihage, and Jennifer (Bob) Truhlsen; his grandchildren: Nikolas (Emily) Christensen, Sydney (Kevin Holford) Christensen, Jack Freihage, Sam Freihage, Anna Freihage, Cale (Jamie) Truhlsen, and Addi Truhlsen; step-grandchildren Sarah Bacino and her children, Carter and Eli, and Jeremy Bacino and his children, Hunter and Reagan; and great-grandchild Gemma, with another expected soon. He also leaves behind siblings Shirley (Fred) Madison, Lyle Freihage, and Linda (Bruce) Hixson, along with extended family and a wide circle of friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandy; siblings Wayne Freihage, Maxine Frazee, Gail Freihage, and baby sister Emma Freihage.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 19, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Howard will be laid to rest with Sandy at Pine Hill Cemetery in Des Moines.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.

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