CLARISSA M FREUND Clarissa M. Freund of Fond du Lac, formerly of New Holstein, was called home to her Heavenly Father with her loving, devoted family by her side on Sunday, September 16, 2012. She was born November 5, 1925 in St. Peter, WI, daughter of John A. and Mary A. Bertram Birschbach. Clarissa attended schools in Jericho and St. Peter. She was united in marriage to Elmer H. Freund on October 7, 1947 at St. Peter Catholic Church. He passed away February 12, 2009 after 62 years of marriage. Clarissa and Elmer settled in New Holstein and belonged to Holy Rosary Catholic Church where she was a member of the Christian Women and the Catholic Knights. Her faith was witnessed in her devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and daily rosaries. Clarissa worked at Tecumseh Products in New Holstein and retired after 30 years. She and Elmer worked together at Napa Auto Supply in New Holstein in their retirement. Clarissa and Elmer enjoyed spending time camping and traveling in the United States and Canada. A special trip they shared was five weeks in Europe experiencing the fallen Berlin Wall, Medjugorje, and villages of their ancestors. Her family always came first witnessed by the smells and sights of a full cookie jar for Elmer and the grandkids. She spent many fun-filled hours playing games and laughing with her grandchildren, time that they will never forget. Clarissa had a great sense of humor that those who knew her best got to enjoy. Grandma Freund taught us many things, most importantly how to love unconditionally. Clarissa will be deeply missed by her children, Anna Mae (Larry) Butz, Joe Freund, Judy (Charlie) Vavrus, Janie (Jerry) Sturtz, Marian (John) Klinzing, and Linda (Gene) Mueller. She is also survived by grandchildren, Carrie (Vance) Edwards, Jeff (Molly) Butz, Nikki (Dan) Hanke, Jackie (Jon) Weir, Jared Sturtz, Pam (Joe) Mand, Sarah (Laird) Le, Jenna Sturtz, Chuck Vavrus, Michele Krohn, and Travis Dantzler. Also surviving Clarissa are her beloved "GREATS", Hailey, Trevan, Sydney, Jackson, Ethan, Elaina, Carter, Elijah and Josalyn. Clarissa was preceded in death by her husband Elmer, an infant daughter Carol, her parents, her brothers Ray, Herman, and Jerome Birschbach and her sisters Loretta Blatz and Frances Ditter. Visitation: Family and friends may call at the Sippel Funeral Home, 2618 Altona Avenue, New Holstein on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 from 3-7 pm and at Holy Rosary Catholic Church Thursday morning from 10-11 am. Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church 1724 Madison Street in New Holstein. Rev. Harold Berryman will officiate and Deacon Pat Knier will assist. Burial will be in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established in Clarissa's name. The family would like to thank Agnesian HealthCare Hospice Hope, especially Greta, Joanne, Jane, and Chaplin Mary, as well as her caregivers Lisa and Amy. We would also like to thank Drs. Elizabeth Bensen, Robert Grass, Susan Shireman, and James Wright for all their care over the years. For additional information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in New Holstein (920) 898-4300 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net.