Duane Leroy Freeman, 83, of Thief River Falls, MN passed away June 7, 2016 at Sanford Health Palliative Care in Fargo, ND, surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM on Monday, June 13, 2016 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend John Voelker PHD Officiating. Burial will be held at the Karlstad Cemetery, Karlstad, MN.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Monday.
Duane Leroy Freeman was born December 28, 1932 at Stephen, MN son of Ross and Minnie (Johnson) Freeman. He was raised at Stephen and attended school there graduating in 1950. Duane was very proud of his High School sports career including football, basketball and track. Duane entered the US Navy on December 1, 1955 and served until his honorable discharge August 26, 1957. Duane lived in San Diego, CA for a short time where he worked for Douglas Aircraft. He returned to Stephen, MN where he met his future bride, Shirley (Bogestad) Freeman, at a dance in Halma.
They were united in marriage on March 17, 1962 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Karlstad. They made their home in St. Paul, MN for a short time and then returned to live in Thief River Falls, MN where they have continued to reside. To this union three children were born; Tami, Tari and Chris.
Duane was employed at Bridgeman Creamery in Thief River Falls for 30 years, retiring in 1987. The couple enjoyed traveling to Branson, MO and Texas in the later years. He enjoyed keeping his cars spotless and working outdoors. Duane was a member of the American Legion and the Eagle’s in Thief River Falls, MN. November of 2015 he moved into MN Greenleaf Assisted Living in Thief River Falls.
Duane is survived by his children, Tami Freeman of Grand Forks, ND, Tari (Jay) Jonson of West Fargo, ND, Chris (Aida) Freeman of St. Paul, MN; grandchildren, Alicia & Tiffany Helle, Katie, Andrew, Nora & Mara Jonson, Isabelle Freeman; great-granddaughter, Kari; brother-in-law Gary Bogestad of Rockport, TX; and many other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Shirley in 2013 and his brother Marvin Freeman.
Condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.