Freeman L. Benedict, age 92, of Blair, WI passed away on Monday, July 7th, 2014 at Grandview Care Center following hip replacement surgery at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, WI.
Freeman was born on July 19th, 1921 in the Town of Springfield, Jackson County, WI to Francis and Pauline Johnson Benedict. He was baptized and confirmed at Trempealeau Valley Lutheran Church in rural Taylor. Freeman married Gladys Kvaalseth on August 29th, 1942 in Blair. Together they farmed in Trump Coulee for 16 years prior to moving to Blair. Freeman owned and operated Freeman's Bar in Blair for 15 years where he sponsored softball and bowling teams. He retired from AMPI in Blair. Freeman was a 16-year member of the Blair-Preston Volunteer Fire Department. In 1967, he co-chaired the then Egg and Cheese Festival with proceeds going to construction of Grandview Care Center. Freeman was a member of the Blair Commercial Club and the Sportsmen's Club. He was a leader in the purchase of the present Sportsmen's Club and helped to organize the original Camper Party. Freeman was a member of First Lutheran Church serving numerous terms on the Church Council and various committees including 25 years on the Rest Haven Cemetery Association, where he assisted grieving families in lot purchases, grave preparations and maintenance. He is a past Cheese Festival Parade Marshall and Civic Award Winner.
Freeman enjoyed traveling and spending time with his grandchildren as well as deer hunting and ice fishing.
Survivors include his daughters and sons-in-law, Faith and Harvey Kettner of Wausau and Kathy and Steve Hager of Mission Viejo, California; three grandchildren, Kelly Kettner of Irma, WI; William and Ricia Hager of Irvine, California and Kristian and Maelyn Hager of South Pasadena, California and a great-granddaughter, Camryn Joy Hager of South Pasadena, California; three sisters-in-law, Ila Benedict and Carol Benedict both of Blair and Ruby Henderson of Ettrick, WI; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and Gladys who died on July 8th, 1999, Freeman was preceded in death by four brothers, Levin, Basil, Ellsworth and Vilas Benedict and two sisters, Vivian Axness and Marian Benedict.
Funeral services will be at 11am Tuesday, July 15th, 2014 at Blair Lutheran East with burial at Rest Haven Cemetery in Blair. Visitation will be at the Church for 1 hour preceding the service. Memorials may be designated for Grand View Care Center or the Blair Public Library.