Michael Clement Freund

Michael Freund, born on January 17, 1943, in Memphis, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025, at the age of 82. Throughout his distinguished career, Michael held numerous patents that reflected his passion for engineering and his commitment to sustainable technology. In the late 1960s, he played a pivotal role in designing an electric jeep for the postal service in California and developed an electric food service cart for Sweetheart, enhancing hospital food service efficiency. His career took him to South Bend, Indiana, where he designed a line of electric garden tractors for Wheel-horse in the late 1970s. In 1984, Michael joined Ford Motor Co. in Atlanta, where he worked tirelessly in various capacities, including robotics during a significant plant changeover. His leadership qualities shone through when he served as president of the Atlanta Chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers for several years. Despite the long hours, Michael always found time for his family, attending his children's early morning swim practices, ball games, and swim meets. In his 70th year, Michael embarked on a mission trip to Haiti, bringing parts, tools, and duct tape, skillfully fixing items others deemed irreparable—a testament to his talent for "McGivering" solutions. Michael also had a strong sense of community, enjoying Tuesday breakfasts with his Ham Radio buddies and leisurely tours of local thrift stores. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his work, his family, and his ability to find joy and purpose in all facets of life. He was a loving husband to his devoted wife of 59 years, Carol Freund, and a cherished father to his four children: Christine Cox and her husband Jeff, Andrew Freund, Stephanie Heeps and her husband Fergus, and Katy Freund. Michael was also a proud grandfather to Connor Masonick, Weston Freund and his wife Haley, Ray Freund, and Harrison Heeps, as well as a great-grandfather to his beloved great-grandson, Eli Masonick. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Freund and Dorithy Zeimes Freund. He is survived by his siblings, who will dearly miss him: Mary Jo Benoit, Benet Freund and his wife Cheryl, Tim Freund and his wife Margaret, and Peter Freund. Family and friends are invited to honor and celebrate Michael's life at a service to be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 11 o'clock in the morning at St. Matthew Catholic Church with a visitation one hour prior to the service. He will be remembered for the love he shared with those around him and the warmth of his presence in the lives of all who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org or Saint Vincent dePaul, https://svdpgeorgia.org/.

Michael Clement Freund

January 17, 1943 - June 22, 2025