Andrew Freese

Andrew J. Freese Life Story

Andrew Jackson Freese was born February 4,1940 in Bangor, Maine and went home to the Lord on July 10,2024 at the age of eighty-four. His father, Langston Jackson Freese, was born in Bangor, Maine and his mother, Mildred Aurora Freese nee Larson, was born in Stockholm, Maine. Andrew was predeceased by his father, mother, and sister, Gail Freese. Andrew grew up in the family home at 69 West Broadway in Bangor. After his father's passing, he moved with his mother and sister to Brewer, Maine where he resided until 2023. Andrew graduated from Rollins College in Winter Haven, Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in the early 1960s, and served six years in the Maine Air National Guard.

Andrew was the last member of the Freese family that had a long and productive relationship with the City of Bangor through the founding and management of the historic Freese's department store on Main Street in Bangor. Generations of Maine families patronized and were employed by the store which came to symbolize the commercial importance of Downtown Bangor in the first half of the 20th century. Many families still recall the adventures of holiday shopping on snowy winter nights with the added thrill of riding Maine's only escalator! Freese's was founded in 1892 and was later sold in 1957 to Gorin Company which operated the store for a time.
As a young man, Andrew traveled extensively including several driving trips across America to visit the West Coast. He lived several years in Hawaii and was even known to enjoy surfing there.

Andrew had a lifelong interest in natural health and healing through nutrition and exercise. He believed the scripture that: "We are fearfully and wonderfully made" and that we are designed by our Creator to be able to heal and maintain good health and vigor through knowledge and moderation rather than pharmaceutical or medical interventions after the onset of illness.

Andrew always comported himself as a gentleman rising when a lady entered the room, greeting with a steady look and firm handshake, opening doors for others, and even in his later years offering his jacket on a chilly afternoon to lady companion waiting for a van ride back to their senior residence. Andrew was quick to apologize if ever he found he had given offence to another.

In his last years, Andrew came into fellowship with friends who believed, as he firmly did, in the message and truth of the Gospels and was baptized. When he decided he could no longer live on his own, Andrew chose to sell his home to a young family with the skills and energy to renovate it. He enjoyed being a part of providing a home for their young children.

In 2023, Andrew moved into a nearby assisted living residence in Brewer, Maine. While there, he enjoyed the friendship and sense of community, common meals, and the support and respect of the staff. He took great pleasure in morning rhythmic chair exercise and delighted himself and others by planting and tenderly caring for the raised bed flower garden in the courtyard. He will be fondly remembered by those who knew him and were his friends.

His wishes were for a private burial with his family at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Bangor.