Richard Freeman

Richard Lee Freeman, 81, of Loves Park, went home suddenly to be with his Savior on Thursday, March 8, 2018, after a life dedicated to fulfilling the Lord’s command to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). He was beloved by his family and all who had the privilege of meeting him. Born January 22, 1937, in Peoria, the son of Gerald and Dorothy (Stone) Freeman. Received his Bachelor of Arts from Wabash College in 1959 and a Masters of Education from Bradley University in 1964. His vocation prior to retirement from the Rockford Public School System in 1994, was that of elementary teacher and GED instructor. Following his secular vocation, he served three years teaching in full time Christian work. Married Kay Freeman on March 23, 1974, in Rockford. He was a faithful member of North Love Baptist Church, where he and Kay did most of their ministries together. He taught Sunday school, directed the Awanna Cubbie program for ten years, sang in the church choir, played violin in the orchestra and taught in the Growing in Grace Bible class for many years. He was a Gideon and belonged to Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. Richard enjoyed reading the Bible, bird watching, playing piano, calling his mother every day and listening to his grandchildren sing and play instruments. His goal in life was to be the best husband and father that the Lord could help him be. He is survived by his wife, Kay; mother, Dorothy; sister, Betty Winterland; children/grandchildren: Julie (Nate) Kloster: Sarah, Chelsey (Jamie) Kloster Graves, Taylor; Susan (Russell) Schreiber: Mitchell, Brianna; Mark Freeman; Laurie (John) Bartlett: Hannah, Elijah; Lisa (Ben) Fyock: Lydia, Andrew; and his best friend and brother-in-law, Douglas Stodola. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Nora for his many years of care.

Service at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 13th, 2018, in North Love Baptist Church, 5301 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. Burial in Arlington Memorial Park. Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, March 12th, 2018, and 10 a.m. until time of service on Tuesday, March 13th, in North Love Baptist Church. Memorial contributions to the Rockford Rescue Mission would be appreciated. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park.