Lonnie J. Freymiller, age 72, of Fennimore died on Tuesday morning Dec. 4, 2018 at his residence in Preston surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Oct. 7, 1946 in Boscobel the son of Ed and Ruby (Williams) Freymiller. Lonnie was united in marriage to Pat Riemenapp on Sept. 27, 1969 at the St. Thomas Catholic Church in Montfort.
Lonnie graduated from Fennimore High School in 1964 where he managed the family farm until he was drafted into the U.S. Army on July 18, 1967. Lonnie was wounded in the Vietnam War in May of 1968 and honorably discharged on Nov. 14, 1968. He received a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for heroism. After returning to Fennimore in 1971, he owned and operated Lonnie’s Small Engines Sales and Service for the next 15 years. Lonnie was later employed at 3M of Prairie du Chien until his retirement in 2008. Lonnie enjoyed hunting, fishing, flying, gardening, and flowers. His passions in life were being a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, and golf. Lonnie was an active member and past president of WAGA (Amputee Golf Association), AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association), Mt. Hope American Legion and the Boscobel VFW. One of his most recent tributes was being selected the “Hero of the Game” on Sept. 16 at the Milwaukee Brewer game. Lonnie loved visiting with people and he was only a stranger once. His willingness to help others and his dedication to friends and family will forever be cherished.
Lonnie is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Pat Freymiller of Fennimore, two daughters; Angie McLimans of Dakota City, IA, Kallie Varela of Fennimore, six grandchildren; Hannah and Chelsea McLimans, Erika, Nicholas, Madyson and Benjamin Varela, two great grandchildren; Whitley Tollefson and Jude Varela, along with another addition to the family that will be welcomed in March, seven siblings; Larry “Stretch” (Pam) Freymiller of Cuba City, Gary "Scoof" (Norma) Freymiller of Mt. Ida, Marcia (Kenny) Bahl of Fennimore, Pam (Paul) Steinberg of Prairie du Chien, Kevin (Donna) Freymiller of Des Moines, IA, Brenda (Reggie) Hudson of Blue River, Galen (Peggy) Freymiller of Woodman, along with several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.
Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents, brother Sydney Freymiller and his mother and father-in-law Donna and Ben Riemenapp.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday Dec. 10, 2018 at the Fennimore United Methodist Church with burial to follow in the Prairie Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be held from 3-7:00 P.M. on Sunday Dec. 9, 2018 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore and from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at the church on Monday morning.