Biography
Galen Sturman Freel was the son of Dr. C.O. Freel and Mrs. Carrie M Freel. He grew up in Murray, Iowa with two brothers. The eldest, Elden Leo Freel, served and died in World War II.
Galen came to Iowa State College as a member of the Student Army Training Corps. His regiment fought in the battles of Balleau Wood, Chateau-Thierry, and Soissons.
He died of pnuemonia following influenza on October 12, 1918. His diary and letters are kept by the State Historical Society of Iowa.
The following are correspondence between Galen's parents and Iowa State, concerning the raising of funds to build the Memorial Union.
Sometime in June, 1924:
"We have given two sons to this awful war, leaving us only one child, a son 16 years of age. The only son, age 26, of the 95th Company, 6th Marines, Elden Leo Freel cannot give anyting at present, our hearts are so sad.
Yours respectfully, Dr. C. O. Freel."
October 6, 1927:
"Your letter addressed to Dr. Freel rec'd. Dr. Freel died Nov. 11, 1926. (He) was never well after Galen's death - the giving of two splendid sons to the war and the illness he had at Galen's death was too much from his rugged constitution, took anemia with a spinal lesion and died after a lingering illness. Sorry I am not financially able to help with this splendid memorial.
Sincerely, Mrs. Freel."
Winterset Madisonian
Wednesday, October 16, 1918
Page 2, Column 4
Mortuary
Galen Sturman Freel, second son of Dr. and Mrs. C. O. Freel of Murray, Iowa, was born in East Peru, Madison county, Iowa, Oct.31, 1898 and died at the college hospital at Ames Saturday morning, Oct. 12, 1918 as a result of Spanish influenza, which developed into pneumonia.
Galen has resided with his parents at Murray for a number of years, graduating from the Murray high school in 1917. He entered Simpson college at Indianola the same year, but enlisted in the student training corps at Ames a short time ago.
Possessor of a wonderfully sunny, happy disposition, he was always loved by everyone who knew him, Especially has he been the comfort and joy of his mother and father since departure of his elder brother, Leo, who sailed for France over a year ago. The fires of patriotism have burned deeply within his soul ever since the beginning of the war, and his one desire has been to go to France and help conquer the unspeakable Hun. His ever constant thoughts were of his father and mother, and his great ambition was to serve his country, which he has truly done in countless ways. never did a soldier die with a greater passion to serve his flag more wholeheartedly than did he.
There is left to mourn the loss of this splendid, noble lad, his parents, the elder brother, Corporal Leo Freel, a younger brother, Cecil Jr. and a host of relatives and a wide circle of friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at two o'clock at the Church of Christ of which the deceased was a member. Interment will be made at Pleasantville.
May God in His all wide judgment, love and tender mercy, comfort the sorrowing ones and abundantly endow them with strength to bear the burden of sorrow which falls to their lot in this sad hour.