Rev. Michael Edwin Freed

Augusta, GA - The Reverend Michael Edwin Freed was called home to eternal life on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the age of 69. He passed peacefully at his home in Augusta, Georgia, surrounded by his loving wife, Vera, and their five sons.

Mike was born on November 20, 1955, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and raised in Arlington, North Carolina (Yadkin County). After graduating from Elkin High School in 1974, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Lenoir-Rhyne College in 1978. He went on to pursue theological studies, receiving a Master of Divinity from The Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in 1994. Before answering the call to ministry, Mike worked for nearly a decade as a manufacturer’s representative for his father’s company, Freed Sales.

The year 1994 was transformative for Mike. He graduated from seminary, met and married the love of his life, Vera Kraushaar, and was ordained as a pastor at his first congregation, St. James Lutheran Church in Greenville, Tennessee.

In 1999, Mike, Vera, and their two young sons, Luke and Samuel, moved to Augusta, Georgia, where he became the pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church. Over the next 25 years, Mike dedicated his life to serving his congregation and community with unwavering faith and love. During this time, Mike and Vera were blessed with three more sons: Benjamin, and twins Jacob and Joshua. In 2010, they became full covenant members of the Alleluia Community, a Christian Ecumenical Covenant community, to live and serve in unity with their brothers and sisters in Christ.

Mike’s life was a testimony to his deep love for God and his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. His faith was evident in everything he did—his service to others, his kindness, and his genuine, heartfelt conversations with anyone who crossed his path. Known for his quick wit and unique sense of humor (a gift he undoubtedly inherited from his father), Mike was a friend to many and a source of encouragement and joy to all who knew him. He was a man of deep compassion and humility, always willing to listen, serve, and share a smile.

Mike had many interests that brought him joy, including working on his beloved Mercedes-Benz cars, cooking Southern dishes for his family, collecting and shooting firearms, riding his Harley, and spending time in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a place he always considered home. Above all, he treasured studying the Word of God and sharing the truth with others.

Mike leaves behind his beloved wife of 30 years, Vera, and their five sons: Luke, Samuel, Benjamin, Jacob, and Joshua. He is also survived by his sister, Laura Freed Crawley (Joe), and nieces and nephews: Christa Morris (Robbie), Amanda Stanley (Kasius), Dierik Freed (Kathryn), Jason Freed (Leigh), Matthew Freed (Ashley), Reese Crawley, and Ryan Crawley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William E. Freed and Betty E. Freed; his brother, Eric Freed; and his sister, Patricia Nicks.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Ascension Lutheran Church with Rev. Charles Aurand officiating. Burial will follow at Alleluia Cemetery in Dearing, GA at 1:00 PM. The family will receive friends prior to the service at 10:00 AM. 

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com