Robert M. Freeman, age 83, of West Bend, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at Cedar Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center in West Bend.
Robert was born on December 12, 1925 in Wauwatosa to the late Joseph and Gladys (nee McMillan) Freeman. He graduated from Riverside High School and went on to serve his country honorably in the U.S. Army in France. Upon his discharge from the Army, he earned his bachelors degree in education from UW-Madison in 1950. On August 29, 1953, Robert was united in marriage to Ethel Jorgensen in Milwaukee. They moved to West Bend and Robert earned his Masters in English in 1957. Robert was an exchange teacher in France in 1962-63 and in England in 1968-69. In 1974, he earned his Masters in French from UW-Whitewater. Robert was a French teacher at the West Bend High schools and Badger Middle School where he enjoyed directing plays until his retirement in 1987. He was a member of the teacher's union and WEAC. He loved to travel, especially to Europe, was active in the West Bend Dance Club and the West Bend Beautification Committee. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife, Ethel; two children, Julie Schultz of Cedarburg and Craig Freeman of Beaver Dam; two grandchildren, Lauren and Tyler Schultz; sister, Sandy (Bill) Bates of Portland, OR; brother-in-law, Bernard Kohler of Menomonee Falls; other relatives and dear friends.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; son, Scott Freeman; son-in-law, Bob Schultz; brother, Philip Freeman; and two sisters, Beatrice Brenneman and Linda Kohler.
A memorial service in remembrance of Robert will be held on Thursday, May 7th 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.
Memorials to the Friendship House at Cedar Community or COLUMNS are appreciated.