Donald Llewellyn Freeman was born on June 4, 1934, in Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska, the son of Louis and Ella Freeman, who moved to Rupert, Idaho, in 1936. He was the oldest of seven children, of whom the younger six all survive him: Louis and Daniel Freeman, Delores Peterson, Louella Woods, Vickie Fisher, and Pamela Freeman. Donald was trained as a Lutheran school teacher. He graduated from Concordia Teachers College (now Concordia University) in Seward, Nebraska, in 1956. He taught primary school students in Snohomish, Washington, between 1956 and 1960, then in Merrill, Wisconsin, between 1960 and 1966. After a period working as a restaurant manager in Merrill in the late 1960’s and 1970’s, he was hired as a teacher for the Wisconsin Division of Juvenile Corrections, Southeast Regional Office, and was eventually promoted to administrative duties. During this time, he mainly lived in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. He earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin system while working for the Wisconsin Division of Juvenile Corrections. After retiring, he returned to live in Rupert. He is survived by three sons, Douglas, Daniel, and Devin, and five grandchildren. His beloved parents and daughter, Denise, predeceased him. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Rupert and was very active in the Rupert Senior Center.
Don enjoyed fishing and watching all types of sports. Don was a life long Green Bay Packers fan and even attended the famous Ice Bowl (1967).
Don’s funeral is May 23, 2024 in Rupert, Idaho. Don will be interned in the Paul Cemetery, Paul, Idaho.