Freda L. DeGreef

Freda L. DeGreef, 95, of Kellogg, died Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Newton Village.  A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Community Heights Alliance Church in Newton. The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m., Monday, January 8, 2024, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton. Memorials to the Newton Village Activity Fund or to Second Mile can be left at the funeral home or at the church on the day of the service.

Freda, the daughter of Frank and Lois (Woodyard) Poortinga, was born January 15, 1928, in Colfax. She grew up in Monroe and was a graduate of Monroe High School in 1947. She then taught country school for several years before starting her family.  Freda was united in marriage with Jake DeGreef on January 30, 1954, in Newton. The couple farmed together for many years. Freda was a woman of strong faith, having been a member of the First Assembly of God and later Community Heights Alliance Church. She enjoyed socializing and was a member of a mother’s club, the Kellogg Garden Club, Golden Kiwanis, and several card clubs. Freda also enjoyed riding snowmobiles, flower gardening, and playing cards, especially pinochle. She enjoyed going to the coffee shop and participating in the activities held at Newton Village, which allowed her to stay active. Freda volunteered countless hours at the Second Mile Thrift Store in Grinnell and had a strong work ethic which was passed down to her children and grandchildren. She had a servant’s heart and especially enjoyed caring for other people, whether by making meals for them, sitting down for coffee, or taking on a motherly or mentoring role to them.  Freda valued her relationships with her neighbors, friends, and most importantly, her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Freda is survived by her daughters, Denise Ellenwood (Dave Arrowood) of Kellogg and Diane (Tom) Phillips of Norwalk; her grandchildren: Chris (Kasandra) Ellenwood, Jacki (Robert) Best, Sarah (Matt) Stoker, Mark (Maggie) Phillips, and Katie Phillips (Bill Crow); her great-grandchildren: Harley Peacher, Carter Ellenwood, Natalie Best, Blake Best, and Reid Phillips; her sister-in-law, Connie DeGreef of Newton; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jake in 2010; son-in-law, Terry Ellenwood; a baby sister, Georgia; sister, Jean (John) Wilcox; and her brother, Fred Poortinga.