Perry Freedland

Perry E. "Butch" Freedland, 87, of Topeka, passed away Monday, March 21, 2011.

Perry was born July 10, 1923, in Sandusky, OH, son of Percy and Edna (Linden) Freedland. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1941. Perry joined the US Coast Guard on July 27, 1942, and was later honorably discharged November 17, 1945. His convoy was in the Atlantic Ocean and later the South Pacific Ocean, where he was in five invasions. He later belonged to the US Naval Reserve, retiring as a Chief Radioman. Perry lived and worked in Topeka as a Sheet Metal Journeyman most of his life, retiring in 1984. Perry was married to Bertha M. Thiele at First Lutheran Church in Topeka. She passed away September 25, 1982. He married Helen Adams in 1986, they later divorced. Perry was a member at First Lutheran Church, where he was an usher for many years. He was a member of the Golden Rule #90 A.F. & A.M.; Arab Temple A.A.O.N.M.S., where he was a Class Director Emeritus of the Directors staff, and later belonged to the Provost Guard; Order of Quetzalcoatl, Fleet Reserve Association Branch 167; Sheet Metal Local #77; and Military Order of the Cooties Pup Tent #3. Perry was a life member of Scottish Rite Valley of Topeka, Philip Billard Post No. 1650, V.F.W., and American Legion Post 400.

Perry was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers, two sisters, and long time friend and companion, Ruby Thompson.

Perry is survived by a nephew, a niece, and two grand-nephews.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 28, 2011, at First Lutheran Church, 1234 SW Fairlawn Road, Topeka 66604. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday, with Scottish Rite Rose Croix services to follow at 7:00 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church, Philip Billard Post No. 1650, V.F.W. or donor's choice.