Grandpa Freeman's Funeral

Steve and his family were able to gather to celebrate the life of his Grandpa Freeman (Robin's dad). We loved Grandpa Freeman and were sad to see him go, but were also so glad he was free from pain and able to be reunited with his dear wife that passed away about 17 years before. 

 

John Mack Freeman of Hermiston, Oregon died Saturday, July 16th, in Roseburg Oregon at the age of 87.  There will be a viewing Friday, July 22nd from 10:00am to 11:00 am at the Hermiston LDS church on 11th street, with funeral services to follow at 11:00am.  Burial will be Saturday, July 23rd at 1:00pm at Terrace Lawn Memorial Gardens in Boise, Idaho.

            John was born March 1,1935 in Blackfoot, Idaho to Edwin J. and Elizabeth Freeman.  He was the 3rd of 9 children and the eldest son.  Sisters Gary Gabrielson, Helen Hadley, Shelley Mickelson, Joyce Piel and brothers Jim Freeman, Dick Freeman, Mike Freeman and Bill Freeman.  John grew up in Pocatello, Idaho and graduated from Pocatello High in 1953.  He loved to fish and hunt with his brothers while growing up and enjoyed those activities throughout his life.

            John started working for the Union Pacific Railroad at the age of 18 as a brakeman.  He had many promotions on the railroad and was working as the Terminal Superintendent in Kemmerer, Wyoming when he retired after 30 years of service.  

            John met his “beautiful bride” Janet Manning while he was working in Huntington, Oregon.  They were married on November 15, 1955 in Logan, Utah at the Logan Temple.  They had 5 children:  Debbie Freeman, Robin Oliver, Susan Freeman, Vance (Janell) Freeman, and Vaughn Freeman.  He has 8 grandchildren: Sydney Freeman, Chance Freeman, Jennifer (Jarom) Gray, Steve (Katie) Oliver, Philip (Jessica) Oliver, David Oliver, Jessica (Chase) Peterson and Brian Oliver.  He also has many great grandchildren.

            John and Janet initially lived in Weiser, Idaho when the railroad moved them to Hermiston where John worked and they raised their family for the next 21 years.  They moved to Federal Way, Washington in 1981, then to Kemmerer, Wyoming before John retired and moved to Boise, Idaho.  John and Janet were both active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  John served in many positions in the church.  He and Janet were privileged to serve a mission together while in Boise.  They celebrated 50 years of marriage together until Janet’s death in 2005.  John moved back to Hermiston in 2006 to live with his children Debbie, Susan and Vaughn.

            John loved to watch old movies and listen to his music.  He had a beautiful tenor voice that soared above any choir member he sang with.  He also enjoyed sports.  He loved bowling, was an enthusiastic basketball player and threw an impressive softball pitch.

            John is survived by his children: Debbie, Susan and Vaughn of Hermiston; Robin Oliver of Spanish Fork, Utah; Vance and his wife Janell of Maple Valley, Washington; and his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He was proceeded in death by his wife Janet; sisters Helen, Joyce, Shelley; brothers Mike and Bill; and his parents.