John Freemole
POLSON - Our valiant warrior, John Peter Freemole, peacefully completed his earthly journey on April 8, 2025, at his home in Polson, with loved ones nearby to support him. His life began Jan. 5, 1951, in Aurora, Colorado, the second born to George and Marjorie Freemole. With his father in the Air Force, John and his family were on the move. One of his earliest memories was him as a 3-year-old getting vaccinated, then watching cartoons, on board a ship to Tokyo, Japan, from where he first saw whales and dolphins. From there, his family moved to six different cities and states, eventually settling in Great Falls. There he met Arlee, setting in motion a whirlwind romance– they were married within 9 months and it lasted 53 years!
John was a creative, well-rounded, loving person throughout his 74 years of life. He was happiest when home, rising with (or before) the sun, driving through open country, or cooking and baking when with family. He remembered with fondness his grandmother cultivating a love for baking by letting him help her make bread. His grandfather’s influence was in the form of enjoying coffee over cornflakes.
John was eclectic in his long span of work life, beginning with selling the newspaper, “Grit,” line cooking, band management, rock quarrying and as an entrepreneur (Pennywhistle Music). He devoted decades of his life to social services, from protecting children to helping elders receive medical benefits and, most notably, created the Veteran’s Assistance Program. After “retirement,” he substituted as a janitor for the public schools, making friends wherever he (and his cookies) went.
John’s life was also filled with boy scouting, volunteer firefighting, woodworking, theater, reading, gardening, listening to music, refereeing soccer, and, later, cheering on his grandchildren from the soccer sidelines.
John liked the expression, “It’s all good.” Even if many of us didn’t believe it was all good, he made sure to let us know that’s what he believed and kept it simple.
Pause and think of John the next time you hear windchimes or ravens, when you smell the sweet Russian olive blooms in early summer or enjoy a freshly baked cookie.
John is survived by his wife, Arlee Freemole, and their children, Mariah, Jessica (Aaron Deskins), Benjamin (Emily Knickel), and Ian Freemole; grandchildren, Iris and Loren Deskins, Adelaide, Evelynn, Ike, and Esme Freemole; siblings, Maynard (Liz), Margaret, Helene (Gary), Michael (Donna); and loyal dog, Biscuit. The family extends their gratitude to Partners in Home Care for their kindness and care.
Services will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Polson on April 23, 2025, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests sending memorial donations to the “Flathead Lakers” for their efforts towards conserving the integrity of Flathead Lake.
Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at: www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.
Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
