Gretchen Freund

CUYAHOGA FALLS- Gretchen Freund, 48, danced her way into heaven on August 20, 2023. Born August 15, 1975, Gretchen was a 1993 graduate of Wadsworth High School. She graduated in 1998 from the University of Akron with a degree in elementary education. She was the only girl surrounded by four loving brothers – a princess among pirates. Gretchen was a devoted fan of all the Cleveland teams and the Buckeyes.

Gretchen bravely battled ALS for 19 years. On July 4, 2010, she threw out the first pitch at a Cleveland Indians game in honor of Lou Gehrig. She was an active member of the Northern Ohio Chapter of ALS. She worked tirelessly over the years to raise money for ALS. She traveled to Washington DC several times to tell her story to congress to raise awareness of the disease.

Gretchen loved to dance, sit on the beach, read her kindle and drink amaretto sours. But nothing compares to the love she had for her family. She is leaving behind her parents Judi and Jim Loomis and John and Anne Freund, her brothers Robbie (Stormi), Nathan, Jake and Nick Freund, her niece Shelby (Sean) Sassa, her nephews J.D. (Destiny), Logan and Luca Freund, and her great nieces and nephews Adley, Paisley, Ella and Jackie Joe.

Gretchen touched everyone around her with her beauty, grace, strength and the biggest, brightest smile. She will be forever missed by many extended family members and lifelong friends who loved and supported her.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Wadsworth Eagles, 9953 Rittman Rd., Wadsworth, OH 44281 on Saturday, October 14 at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gretchen’s name to the Northern Ohio Chapter of ALS, 6155 Rockside Rd. St. 403, Independence, OH 44131.