John E. Freeman

John E. Freeman, 84, longtime Superior resident, formerly of Hurley, Wis., died Monday, Dec. 17, 2012 at Villa Marina Health and Rehabilitation Center in Superior.

He was born on Dec. 16, 1928 in Hurley, Wis. to Hans and Hilja (Grain) Freeman.

He graduated from the Hurley High School in 1947. He received his B. Ed and M. Ed degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. He received his M.A. degree from the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis and his post graduate study in the areas of study and licensure in Elementary Education, Special Education for Handicapped and Administration and Supervision of Special Education Programs from the University of Minnesota.

John married Muriel Sullivan on Jan. 21, 1950 in Ironwood, Mich. and celebrated 62 years of marriage.

John worked for the Duluth Public School system, from 1954 to 1967 John was a teacher of elementary and special classes for mildly handicapped students and from 1967 and until his retirement in 1991, he was the supervisor of special classes.

He was the past president and board member of the Minnesota Council for Exceptional Children, Duluth Council for Exceptional Children, United Developmental Achievement Center and Residential Services, Inc. Northeast Minnesota.

John was a member of Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church since 1950. He served as a Catechist from 1959 to 1967, a member and past president for the parish council and was the Parish Education Committee Chairman.

He was also a member of the St. Francis Travelers Club, Superior Optimist Club and Elk's Lodge No. 403 in Superior. He was an active member of his community.

He loved polka music, playing his harmonica and traveling with his wife Muriel.

John is survived by his wife, Muriel; several nieces and nephews; his special family, Jeanie, Joe, Jacob and Jessie Charboneau and extended family and friends, especially Bob and Carol Nordness.

He is preceded in death by his parents and four sisters Lucille Osterholm, Beverly Niemi, Ruthann Hockin and Marcia Skoviera.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20 in Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church and continue until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian burial with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Superior.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in John's name to Cathedral School.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff at Villa Marina especially Jackie and Jessica for the wonderful care John received.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements.

To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.downs-lesage.com.

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