George Freund

GEORGE A. FREUND IDAHO FALLS, ID -- After living a life that influenced those around him, George Adolf Freund of Idaho Falls, died at the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center on July 9, 2006. He was 78. George was born August 6, 1927, in Vienna, Austria, to Hans Fritz Freund and Trude Goldmann Freund. His mother died in 1927 and after the death of his father in 1936, George’s maternal grandparents, Alois and Marie Goldmann, raised him. Recognizing the danger as Hitler marched across Europe, the Goldmanns sent George to live in America with his Uncle Oswald, Aunt Anne, and Cousin Wally. George traveled by train to England and by boat to America, landing in New York on December 1, 1938. Within days of his arrival, George was enrolled in Woodmere Academy and, in 1945, graduated as the co-valedictorian of his class. George went on to MIT where he earned bachelor’s (1949) and master’s (1950) degrees in chemical engineering. In 1950, George started a career which demonstrated his commitment to the field of nuclear energy. His first job was with Argonne National Laboratory (East) just outside Chicago. George worked first on nuclear reactors for submarines and then on research and development for reactors generating electricity. He had a long career working in nuclear energy and retired from SAIC in 1995. In 1953, George met Mary J. Hansen and they were married on November 27, 1954. Together, George and Mary raised six children and taught them, by example, the importance of being involved in community, coaching young people, continuing education, and having a sense of humor. Throughout his life, George was active in many community organizations including Rotary, YMCA and the American Nuclear Society. In retirement, George helped organize Coalition 21, a pro-science, non-profit organization. George also enjoyed politics and writing, often penning letters-to-the-editor on a variety of issues. George is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Mary Hansen Freund, of Idaho Falls, as well as his six children: Ruth (Marv) Pierce of Twin Falls, ID; John (Ree) Freund of Albuquerque, NM; Anne (Terry) Ross of Ames, IA; Jane Freund of Boise, ID; Tom (Kaily) Freund of Medford, OR; and Paul Freund of Idaho Falls, ID, and six grandchildren: Scott, Jake, Logan, Lynze, Samuel, and Erica. George. He also leaves behind many friends and his extended family. George was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alois and Marie Goldmann, birth parents Hans and Trude Freund, adoptive parents, Oswald and Anne Freund, and adopted brother Wally Friend). In lieu of flowers, donations to the Idaho Youth Ranch (P. O. Box 8538; Boise, ID 83707) or the Alois and Marie Goldmann Scholarship Fund at the Idaho Community Foundation (P. O. Box 8143; Boise, ID 83707) would be most appreciated. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 15, 2006, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue in Idaho Falls. Visitation will be held at the Wood Funeral Home on Friday, July 14th from 7:00-8:30 PM at Wood Funeral Home and for one hour before services on Saturday. Burial will be in the Fielding Memorial Park in Idaho Falls under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. -------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Marilyn Howard I send my condolences to the family of George Freund. What a remarkable life! His story is one of family courage, achievement, and service. I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Freund because of knowing his daughter Jane. Jane was instrumental in my success as a candidate for State Superintendent of Schools. I enjoyed knowing that Jane's interest in politics was one of the gifts her father gave to her. Sincerely, Marilyn Howard Sandra Machen McBride smcbride@co.bonneville.id.us Ruth: I am sorry to hear about the death of your father. I would like ot have attended the viewing on Friday but I will be out of town for my son wedding. My condolences to you and your family. May God Bless each and everyone of you. Sandra Machen McBride Thomas J. and Shirley D. Setter MD (tjsetter@hotmail.com) What a wonderful life he had. A good father to a loving family. God Bless Sue Saldin ssaldin@aol.com To Jane and her family: At this difficult and painful time, may it give you some measure of comfort to know that you are in the thougths and prayers of your friends. The description of your father's life in the paper, Jane, reflected a truly remarkable man. With sympathy, Sue Saldin Richard (Dick) Lindsay Dear Family, George was a special man - a great scientist - but an even greater human being. His twinkle in his eye alway let you know that he was very aware of the real reason for all his hard work - people! He will be greatly missed. May you have the healing remembrances of his past in your present and your tomorrows. Dick