Merrill G. Freed

Merrill G. Freed, 88, of Cornwall, PA. died at Cornwall Manor March 7, 2024. He was born in Montgomery County, PA on February 18, 1936 to the late Joseph H. and Matilda K. Godshall Freed. Merrill’s strong faith in his Lord Jesus Christ carried him peacefully through life to his Heavenly reward. He was an active member of Gingrichs Mennonite Church, Lebanon, PA since 1970. Merrill attended Souderton, PA High School. During the Korean War he served an alternate 1-W assignment at General Hospital, Lancaster, PA as an orderly and later graduated in the first class of O. R. Technicians. Merrill enhanced his natural gift for art by completing Art Instruction School correspondence course. Merrill served as Creative Therapist at Philhaven Hospital, Mt. Gretna for 28 years. His gentle personality and skill at a variety of crafts were an asset to the treatment of those he served. He retired from Good Samaritan Hospital, Lebanon, as an O. R. Technician in 1996 to further pursue his hobby of artistic painting. Most recently he volunteered at Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Assoc (CATRA), Grantville, PA Merrill enjoyed studying Scripture, camping horseback riding, and fitness training. He was gifted at painting with oils, acrylics and watercolor. He loved a good story, whether in books or on film. In 1962 Merrill and Joyce “Elaine” Sensenig married after meeting in the operating room and have celebrated 61 years. In addition to his widow, he is survived by daughter Joanne (Richard) Fetzer, of Chuckey, TN, son Barrett, of Cornwall; son Jonathan (Markay Pfautz), of Lebanon, daughter Bethany (Ryan) Umble, of Ephrata; grandchildren Juliana, Kai, Aslan Umble, Ariah and Eiselee Freed; sisters Jean (Earl) Clemmer and Nancy (the late Alvin) Alderfer, both of Montgomery County, PA; sister-in-law Donna (Christopher) Keiser, Pioneer, OH; three married step-grandchildren and their families. Merrill was pre-deceased by infant son Gordon Lamar (1967), five infant grandchildren, sister Doris Freed (2020) and a step-great-grandson. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday March 16, 2024 at 11AM at Gingrich Mennonite Church, 100 Forney Road, Lebanon, PA 17042, with visitation from 10AM until 11AM and following the service. Interment will be private at Weaverland Mennonite Cemetery, East Earl, PA. His family wishes to thank the dedicated staff at Cornwall Manor Health Center for their loving care in Merrill’s final years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to [ his church, (address above), or to Cornwall Manor Benevolent Fund (PO Box 125, Cornwall, PA 17016) or to CATRA (PO BOX 339, Grantville, PA 17028) }.

Merrill G. Freed

February 18, 1936 - March 7, 2024