Don Freeman, a 1968 graduate of Wayland High School, died June 20 in Hastings. He was 70.
He was born in Allegan on March 8, 1950, to Donald Miller Freeman and Marian (Bush) Freeman.
Don attended Michigan State University for two years, leaving to move to Colorado with friends. He lived in Boulder and Steamboat Springs for 18 years before moving back to Michigan.
While in Colorado, Don worked a few short-term jobs, joined the pipefitter’s union, where he became a journeyman pipefitter and master plumber. He eventually started his own business. He joined Pipefitter’s Local 333 where he worked for many years and continued to work as a consultant for Consumer’s Energy at various power plants and hydroelectric dams.
He met his wife, Susan Cuyler, on a blind date, and they were married in 1989. They celebrated their engagement every year on Thanksgiving with roses and champagne.
Don was an avid sailor and cowboy who loved to share his passions with his family and friends. He raised and rode horses and taught others to ride. He hosted an annual elk hunting camp
Don was diagnosed with ALS in 2018
Besides his wife of 30 years, Don is survived by his sisters Bonnie Opperman, Elaine Patten and Linda (Dick) Groendyke, and his brother Rodger (Adele) Freeman; many nieces and nephews; son Jade Freeman, daughters Sierra Pyle, Kristi (Corey) Holm, and Kelley Cuyler (fiancé Joe Czapla); grandchildren Sophie Freeman, Riley Freeman, Landon Freeman, Jaizah Pyle, Rorak Pyle, Caleb Cuyler, Joshua Wheeler, Jordan Wheeler, Dylan Wheeler, Victoria (Dillian) Thomas, Corey Holm Jr, Rogelio (Amanda) Salazar, Farrah (Dylan) Bishop, Casey Churchill; great-grandchildren Oliver Cuyler and Wyatt Bishop.
Visitation was Friday at Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings and a celebration of life was held Saturday at his home, The Freeman compound.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family for final expenses or to Susan Mast ALS Foundation.
Don was a friend and classmate. Rest in peace, my friend. My condolences to his family.