Ethel Freeman (nee Jorgensen), age 83 of West Bend, passed away Saturday, February 13, 2010 at the Friendship House in Cedar Community.
She was born on July 10, 1926 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to the late Andrew and Kristin Jorgensen. Ethel moved to Milwaukee with her family at an early age and graduated from Lincoln High School.
On August 29, 1953, she was united in marriage to Robert Freeman. Together they moved several times to communities in Wisconsin where Robert taught high school. In 1957 they came to West Bend where Robert taught High School English and French. Ethel was very active as a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She sang in the choir, directed the children's choir and was often a soloist on Christmas Eve. Ethel sang occasionally with a group in Milwaukee called the Romany Singers. She also sang and performed in local operettas, often in a leading role.
She worked as a secretary at the West Bend company for over 20 years and as an aide for the high school for 2 years. Ethel loved to travel, take photos and do rosemalling. She loved her Danish heritage and had been back to Denmark many times.
She is survived by her two children, Julie Schultz of Cedarburg and Craig Freeman of Beaver Dam; two grandchildren, Lauren and Tyler Schultz; sister-in-law, Sandy (Bill) Bates of Portland, OR; brother-in-law, Bernard Kohler of Menomonee Falls; other relatives and dear friends.
Ethel was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; son, Scott Freeman; son-in-law, Bob Schultz; brother, John Kjar and sister, Elsie Madsen.
A memorial service in remembrance of Ethel will be held on Thursday, February 18th at 7:00 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 140 N. 7th Avenue, West Bend. Rev. David Schoob will officiate. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 5:00 pm until the time of service. Cremation took place at Myrhum - Patten Funeral & Cremation Service.
Memorials in Ethel's name to the Cedar Community Foundation or the United Performing Arts Fund, 929 N. Water St. Milwaukee, WI 53202 are appreciated.