Dakota James Freese

Dakota James Freese, 33, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 4, 2026. The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Murdoch Funeral Home in Marion, Iowa. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date at Dunkard Cemetery in Midway, Iowa.

Dakota was born on May 9, 1992, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Alethea Freese and Tracy Carney. He was a 2011 Graduate of Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, where he was invited to represent the USA Baseball Team, but chose to enter the baseball draft, and went in 34th round with the Chicago White Sox. Dakota chose to play collegian ball at LSU Eunice, then in 2013, he transferred to DMACC, where Dakota was drafted in the 12th round by the Oakland Athletics. This was only the start of his professional career! After being released from the Oakland Athletics due to shoulder surgery, Dakota came home but was DETERMINED to play professional baseball again. In 2016, he went to the Winter League Ball tryouts, where Dakota showed off his five different pitches and HIGH leg kick. That high leg kick stuck with him through California League, to the end of his career in the Atlantic League, where he had a career ending accident.

Dakota’s love of baseball was only one side of him. During his off-season, he worked with his grandfather, Rick Freese in the family-business, Rick Freese Well Drilling, Incorporated. Dakota and his grandfather shared a love of deer hunting, squirrel hunting, turkey hunting, fishing, and shooting pool.

He loved baseball deeply, and though Dakota’s life ended far too soon, those who knew him will forever remember this as Dakota’s final walk from the mound-leaving behind a game, a family, and a life that loved him dearly.

Dakota is survived by his mother, Alethea Freese; father, Tracy Carney; brother, Dallas (Halle) Freese sister, Mallissa (Scott) Lane; grandparents, Rick (Sandy) Freese all of Cedar Rapids; aunt, Alicia (Reese Beck) Freese-Beck of Newhall, Iowa; multiple cherished cousins; and his beloved and loyal companion, his dog, Zeus.

He was preceded in death by two uncles, Gary and Tom Carney; and one cousin, Chris Neagle.

If you would like to dress in either baseball or hunting attire, you are welcome to; Dakota’s family will be dressed in his uniforms.

In honor of his life, we would love for you to share your memories of Dakota for his family to treasure all the joy, laughter and love he brought to so many lives. The memories may be placed in a memory box at the funeral home.