John Freddi

John Freddi sadly left us Jan. 18, 2024. He was a loving husband, brother and loyal son of Italian parents who immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s. John was born Aug. 31, 1935, in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Aristide, and Nona (Mary) Freddi, his loving sister, Rita Benton, and his first grandson, Aristide J. Freddi.  

He grew up in an atmosphere of hard work as a fun-loving Italian American. He knew well and loved his cattle and ranching. He earned two degrees, with honors, one in Animal Husbandry, from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and a nursing degree. He was an exceptional athlete and baseball pitcher from high school through college. He went to spring training for the Dodgers. During this time, he maintained a long-lasting friendship with his college friend, John Madden. He gave up a promising career as a professional athlete to dedicate his life to his family, ranch and dairy in Santa Maria, Calif. He enjoyed working his cattle and followed much of his father’s expertise. We raised corn, carrots, hay and calves to replace the dairy herd. He was an expert in showing cattle and was awarded many accolades including many Grand Champions and numerous blue ribbons. He soon found the love of his life in 1964, Bonnie Marie Andersen Freddi. They were together for 60 years. He was dedicated to his loving wife, parents, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his faith.

John and family moved to North Idaho in 1973 and purchased a home and ranch. For 30 years, he worked by day on the ranch and nights working as a nurse caring for people. He retired from his nursing career in 2004 and devoted the rest of his life to his family, his cattle, ranch life and travel with his beautiful loving beloved wife. He touched all who knew him and will be missed by all.

The rosary, funeral and cemetery burial will commence Jan. 26, 2024, at 10 a.m. The wake/luncheon will begin approximately at 13:30 in the lower level of the church. Mary Immaculate Queen Church, 15384 N. Church Road, Rathdrum, ID 83858.

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