Stephen P. Freres

Stephen Philip Freres, age 68, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on Thursday, May 7, 2026. He was born in Racine on April 3, 1958, the eighth of eight children born to the late James and Eileen (Nee Young) Freres.

Steve attended St. Rita Grade School and graduated from St. Catherine’s High School, Class of 1976. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. It was at Stevens Point that he met the love of his life, Susan Czudec. The two were united in marriage on June 6, 1981, and shared nearly 49 wonderful years together.

Steve was involved in the family business, Sterling Tool Co, and later worked at InSinkErator.

He was a proud member of the National Tooling & Machining Association and the Racine Moose Lodge. Steve enjoyed many hobbies and interests throughout his life, including scuba diving, fishing, hunting, computer gaming, bird watching, dogs, Calvin and Hobbes comics, and Stephen King novels as well as coaching his son’s soccer teams. He was also a devoted fan of the band Rush and a lifelong Packer fan.

Above all else, Steve will be remembered for his deep love and unwavering dedication to his family. He found great joy in spending time with those he loved most. Whether he was preparing a meal in the kitchen, baking for family gatherings, or manning the grill, Steve brought people together with warmth, humor, and generosity. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and loyal friend whose presence will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Susan; his sons, Matthew (Val) Freres and Jason (Anneliese) Freres; his cherished grandson, Landon; siblings, Patricia (Charles) Stinger, Peggy (Chuck) Granger, John (Julie) Freres, Jean (John) Schoenwaelder, Janet (Steven) Ramig, and Nicholas (Barbara) Freres; brothers-in-law, Richard (Jennifer) Czudec, Michael Czudec, and Jeffrey Czudec; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his brother, James Freres, and by his parents-in-law, Agnes and Stanley Czudec.

Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family at the funeral home at Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main St. Racine WI. May 19th, 2026, for visitation, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00am. Services to follow visitation at 11am, with Deacon Greg Petro officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park for immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be collected for Living Tribute to have trees planted in national forests in his memory.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of The Pillars at Crystal Bay and St. Croix Hospice for their loving, compassionate, and exceptional care shown to Steve and his family throughout his illness.