Robert Ray Freistedt

Robert Ray Freistedt was born in March 14, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois, the only son of Florence Louise Hippe Freistedt and Raymond Harold Freistedt. He developed a love of Christ as he grew and maintained his faith throughout his life. He loved to travel, share his faith, play golf, enjoyed time with his family, and developed many friendships during his life and travels throughout the country.

Robert attended Lane Technical High School an all-male public technical school in Chicago. Upon graduation in 1948, he enlisted in the Naval Air Reserve serving as an airman. Subsequently, he studied for and achieve the rate of AG3, a petty officer third class weatherman. At the same time he was accepted as a student by the Northwestern University, School of Technology in the field of Chemical Engineering. He was part of the 5 year Cooperative Engineering Education Program which involved alternate quarters working in the business environment and attending school. This provided experience in water filtration, analytical chemistry and production of antibiotics. Upon graduation he was employed as a Chemical Engineer and Industrial Sales Representative for Penick & Ford, Ltd. He was selected to open a new territory in Southern California and Arizona.

As part-time Youth Director for Grace Lutheran Church, Alhambra, CA, Robert felt called to ministry in 1956 and entered Pacific Theological Seminary, Berkley, CA. For his internship, he served as vicar for St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in San Francisco, CA. During his time at St. Mark’s, he met and courted Helen Anna Leib, a secretary at St. Mark’s. They married on July 11, 1959. After his graduation from Seminary and ordination at St. Mark’s on May 15, 1960, Robert was called as a Mission Developer for Santa Rosa, California by the Board of American Missions of the LCA. Starting with a steering committee of four families, a congregation of 100 baptized members was gathered and officially organized as Faith Lutheran Church, in early 1961. Pastor Freistedt was called as the first pastor. He served as pastor until the first church unit was built in 1964. He and Helen had their first son, John Christopher, on November 15, 1960, while living in Santa Rosa, CA. Then he was called as pastor for Ascension Lutheran Church, San Diego, California and served there until 1967 when he was called to active duty with the U.S. Navy.

Robert continued his military career in the Naval reserve throughout his seminary education and pastoral calling, and upon entering seminary, he was selected as an ensign probationary by the U.S. Naval Reserve. After graduation from Chaplains School, he became a LTJG and served in the inactive reserve. His active duty spans a period of 23 years starting in 1967 when he was ordered to NAVFORV as Assistant Force Chaplain out of Saigon, VN. He also served with Naval Support Activity performing a circuit ministry throughout Vietnam. Upon his return from Vietnam in 1968, Robert and Helen welcomed the birth of their second son, Christopher Mark, while stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA. Although he served many Navy facilities over fifty percent of his service was with Marines. He was commissioning chaplain for the USS Coronado LPD 6 and served as ship’s chaplain on the USS Iwo Jima LPH 2 and the USS Truxtun CGN 35. He was selected for the regular Navy in 1972. He served at MCRD San Diego and MCB Camp Pendleton. He was base chaplain at NS Argentia, NFLD. He was select for Captain in 1987 and became the Commanding Office of CREDO. He retired in January 1991 while serving as group chaplain, 1st FFSG, Camp Pendleton. His Naval Service totals 43 years.

Robert maintained an academic career throughout his life. He obtained a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering, an M.A. degree in Pastoral Counseling, and a Doctor of Psychology degree in Marital and Family Therapy.

Robert passed away on August 15, 2025, following a long battle with prostate cancer and complications surrounding that diagnosis. He was preceded by his wife Helen, who passed away in 2011. Robert is survived by his two sons and daughter-in-law (Christopher, John, Katherine), four grandchildren (Anna, Jackie, Samantha, Matthew), seven great-grandchildren (Monica, Adrianna, Angelina, Drake, Desiree, Destiny, Jorden, Blake), and four great-great-children (Elijah, Dominic, Ezekiel, Areli).

A Celebration of Life Service and fellowship following the service is scheduled on September 13th, 2025, at 11:00 am at Ascension Lutheran Church, 5106 Zion Avenue, San Diego, CA 92120, (619) 582-2636.