Einar Erik Free, 95, of Plato Center died Friday in his home. Born in Ryd, Sweden, Mr. Free arrived in the United States in 1929, staying with friends in Chicago for about a week. Through an employment agency he found landscaping work in the St. Charles area. For many years, he was a member of the Swedish Mission Church, now Country Evangelical Covenant Church, serving as deacon and attending services regularly. Mr. Free and his wife, Helen Free, rented a farm south of Hampshire for 12 years. In 1948, they bought a farm in Plato Center, where they farmed until their retirement in 1972. In addition to his wife, survivors include a daughter, Betty and nephews and nieces. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in Yurs Funeral Home, 405 E. Main St., St. Charles.
