Obituary: Arthur Freeman

Arthur Freeman

Arthur "Art" Freeman, Jr., age 93, of Carrington, N.D., passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Golden Acres Manor, Carrington, surrounded by his loving family.

Art's visitation was Thursday, March 7 from 1:00-7:00 p.m., with a Rosary Service at 6:45 p.m., followed by a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m., all at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington.

His Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, March 8 at 10:30 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Carrington, N.D., with Fr. Dodge officiating. Music was by the Sacred Heart Choir. Burial was at the Carrington Cemetery.

Pallbearers were all of Art's grandchildren.

Arthur John Freeman, Jr., was born August 2, 1930, in Kensal, N.D., to Arthur and Elsie (Partlow) Freeman. Art grew up in the Kensal area attending the Bucephalia #2 School until the eighth grade. At that time, he went to work as a farmhand for his uncle Ted Kollman, as well as a few other local farmers.

Art was united in marriage to Lois Summers on November 15, 1951, at St. John's Catholic Church in Kensal. Art and Lois made their home south of Bordulac where they farmed for three years before moving to Carrington in 1954.

After moving to Carrington, Art worked road construction for two years before beginning to work for the Sisters of Presentation at Carrington Hospital on July 1, 1956.

A few years later, Art and Lois began to raise their six sons. As a part-time job, Art worked at Hi-Standard for many years for Tuff Partlow and Walt Gregor.

Art was a long-time member of the Carrington Volunteer Fire Department, Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a charter member of the Carrington Ambulance.

After thirty-nine years, Art retired from the hospital on July 1, 1995. Art couldn't be found just sitting around in his retirement, so he drove school bus for the Carrington School District from 1995-2008. He was always an upbeat person who didn't complain, loved a good conversation, and didn't hesitate to tell you what was on his mind.

Lois Freeman passed away on July 23, 2004. Art later married Virginia Carr on December 11, 2007, and together they enjoyed driving the countryside, playing cards, watching the races at the Jamestown Speedway, and attending their grandchildren's sporting events.

Throughout his life, Art enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. These family activities were about creating memories of the outing not about the successfulness of the event.

Art is survived by his children: John (Michelle), Carrington, N.D.; Joseph (Sharon), Stanley, N.D.; Michael (Patricia Whipple), Jamestown, N.D.; Brian "Butch" (Gina), Britton, S.D.; James, Carrington, N.D.; and Dennis (Karmen), Carrington, N.D.; twelve grandchildren: Mandi (Aaron), Beth (Neil), Lyndsey (Ryan), David (Callie), Drew (Melissa), Megan (Lucas), Patrick, Carly (Kass), Willow (Aidan), Anna, Kirby and Rowdy; nine great-grandchildren with one on the way; his sister, Lois (Jim) Mahutga, Carrington N.D.; a sister-in-law, Verna Freeman, Bismarck, N.D.; brothers-in law, Ray Haugen, California, and Terry Luggar, Minnesota, and Richard Kuebler, Fargo, N.D.; step-children: Rett Bata, Jean Womble, Robert Carr, Clinton Carr, Linda Duursma, Doug Carr, Keith Carr, and their families; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Lois, and his second wife, Virginia; an infant brother; an infant daughter, Mary; sisters: Shirley Haugen, Marie (Charles Mehring) and Cathy Luggar and a brother, Fred Freeman.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Carrington Wrestling Club, the Carrington Fire Department or the James River Humane Society.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, Carrington and New Rockford, N.D.