On May 7, 2022 at 9:19 a.m., at the age of 65, Guy Anthony Freesen left this world and the body that was holding him captive. He has now run without any encumbrance into the arms of his Lord and Savior. This is the greatest race of his life! And he is the winner! Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Guy was born on December 2, 1956, in Jacksonville, IL, the fourth son to Alice Jane (Albright) Freesen (deceased), and Oscar Robert Freesen, Jr. He graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1975, and won many awards as captain of his high school cross country team. It was in high school that Guy discovered his passion for theater. Guy also had many memories of his years in Boy Scout Troop 107 where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Guy attended Eastern Illinois University for two years, then transferred to Emerson College in Boston, where he graduated in 1980 with a BA in a self-designed major; "The Church as a Community Center", and a minor in Theater Performance. It was at Park Street Church in Boston that Guy met his wife, Susan, at their college fellowship, and later volunteered together on the church's High School Staff. They were married at Park Street Church in June of 1980. Guy graduated from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in 1985 with a Master of Divinity. They returned to Illinois where he was a pastor in the United Methodist Church, first in Augusta and Huntsville, IL, and then in Astoria and Sheldon's Grove, IL. Guy chose to leave the United Methodist ministry and returned to Jacksonville, IL in 1989. Subsequently, he was selected to become the interim pastor at Northminster Presbyterian Church. He tried his skills as an entrepreneur and began a vending business. He was hired as coach for track and cross country at Illinois College. He also became an active voice for the unborn, as well as a staunch advocate of homeschooling. Guy organized several community and inter-denominational movements in Jacksonville including March for Jesus, Concerts of Prayer and Jubilee Habitat for Humanity, a local affiliate that has currently partnered to provide housing for 26 local families. In 1999, he determined to take control of our family's food source, and purchased a farm in Staunton, Virginia, naming it Charis Eco-Farm, as God had promised our family grace in the valley. Soon he began raising pasture-raised layers, goats, meat chickens, cattle, pigs, sheep, turkeys and miscellaneous other poultry. Several days a week, he would be at a different local farmers markets selling cuts of meat from healthy animals, and educating customers about the benefits of animals raised on pasture. Thanksgivings were particularly memorable, as for many years we processed and sold our turkeys (occasionally close to 100), and many times were out in the barn the week before Thanksgiving while the water was freezing from the spigots, and then rushing the plucked turkey into the kitchen to finish the preparation, weighing and bagging! Guy was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2012, and slowly his health began to decline. But his life continued to be full. For many years he continued to be an active runner. Eventually he became one of the first participants in Rock Steady Boxing, an exercise program designed to strengthen those struggling with Parkinson's Disease. He loved to be able to share spiritual life with other believers in our house church fellowship. He was involved with International Students, Inc, reaching out to share Christ's love with internationals on local college campuses and in our home. He continued to be active with both acting and directing local community theater. And Guy was so proud of all four of his children as he watched each of them blossom into their unique gifts and talents. Guy's love of music and theater shines within each of them. A definite highlight in Guy's life has been the joy he experienced becoming "Papa" to his 6 grandchildren. How he loved each of them, and treasured their time together. Charis Eco-Farm was sold in 2019, and we downsized and moved to Harrisonburg, VA. This was the next piece toward fulfilling his longtime dream of living in an intentional neighborhood. He was one of the earliest Equity Members of Harrisonburg Cohousing, LLC, and he worked for many years to help plan the now developing Juniper Hill Commons, Harrisonburg's first Cohousing community. Guy leaves his wife, Susan Whitteberry Freesen; his four children, Rebecah Hatchel and spouse Rory, Bethany Jubilee and spouse Neshawn, Lydia Robertson and spouse Anthony and Jona Van Freesen and spouse Elizabeth; six amazing grandchildren; his father, Oscar Robert Freesen II and spouse Deborah; brothers, Oscar Robert Freesen III and spouse Dawn, Kerry Freesen and spouse Cathy, Matthew Freesen and spouse Cathy, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other relatives and friends. Isaiah 40:31 Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. The family will greet friends Monday, June 27, 2022, from 1-3 p.m. at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, 1447 Merritt Rd., Jacksonville, IL 62650. Those attending are requested to wear masks. Memorials are suggested to Jubilee Habitat for Humanity (501C3), PO Box 414, Jacksonville, IL 62651. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is assisting the family with local arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com. McCutcheon & Sons Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements in Waynesboro, VA. . Visitation Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church Monday, June 27, 2022 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM 1447 Merritt Road Jacksonville, IL 62650