Freese, Mary J. "Joann", 86, of Riverview, entered eternal life on July 31, 2022 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.  Joann was born on July 25, 1936 in Wenona, IL. and she graduated from Thornton Township High School in Harvey, IL.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George J. Freese; her parents, Ralph J. Kresl and Helen C. (Krocker) Kresl Ustian, and step-father Michael Ustian; her siblings, James J. Kresl and Kathryn H. Halterman; her sister-in-law, Gerrie Heimlich; her brothers-in-law, James Halterman and Thomas Heimlich; and her cherished granddaughter, Elizabeth Freese. Joann is survived by her daughter, Karen R. Pandy (Warren), her son, G. Michael Freese (Yvonne), her grandchildren, Kristen M. Pandy (Corey B. Barker), Allison R. Pandy (Matthew B. LeClair), Ryan W. Pandy, Nathan J. Pandy (Rachel L.) and Matthew M. Freese; her sister, Susan Minter (Dean), her sister-in-law, Dolly Freese Roy and many precious nieces and nephews.

Joann met her soulmate, George, while they were still in high school and they married on September 24, 1955. Joann was a dedicated Navy wife for the first 20 years of their marriage and they lived in Bremerhaven, Germany, Yokohama, Japan, Fort Meade, Maryland (twice) and Rota, Spain before George finally retired from the Navy to Crownsville, Maryland. Joann began her banking career in Maryland and continued after moving to Apollo Beach, Florida in 1979. She retired in 1997 from Bank of America to do some traveling with her husband, work in her yard, and spend more time with her grandchildren who she dearly loved. Joann was a very strong and independent woman who loved to read a good book, complete daily crossword puzzles, cheer on her Tampa Bay Rays baseball team and volunteer in the food pantry at her church, Resurrection Catholic Church in Riverview.

Joann's tribute service will be held on August 15, 2022 at Serenity Meadows Funeral Home with interment to follow at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.