Gerald Colyer Freeman (Jerry), 87, of Rickreall, OR, passed away on February 27, 2023, in Dallas, OR.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 1 p.m. Church services will be held at Oak Grove Community Church in Rickreall, OR, officiated by Pastor Mark Clarke, followed by a Celebration of Life at Oak Grove Grange Hall. Refreshments will be provided by the family at the Grange Hall. Graveside services will be held at a different time for the immediate family.
Jerry was born January 15, 1936, in his parent’s home in Rickreall, OR. He went to school in Willamina, Perrydale, Bethel, and graduated in 1954 from Central High School in Independence. After high school, he attended OCE on a football scholarship in 1954-55. In 1954 Jerry joined the Army National Guard, serving as a guardsman, retiring as a Captain in 1974. Jerry was employed by Holt Equipment/Franklin Sweed from1958-78. The last 12 years of his career was spent as Foundry Manager. After retiring, Jerry returned to the family farm, and continued farming until age 80. Jerry also spent many years running a rock crushing and trucking business. In his own words, “I believe I have experienced every facet of business management….heard every story of how or why they missed work….and have a good working knowledge of worker’s comp, PUC applications, and ORS bylaws.” Jerry served 16 years on the Board of Southwest Polk Rural Fire Department, Board of Directors of Oregon Cherry Growers, years participating in the Rickreall Pageant, and spent years as a State Grange member and served many years as the Grange Master of the Oak Grove Grange in Rickreall. One of his most beloved hobbies was building and flying a gyrocopter. He was known to say that it was to satisfy the craving he had to fly. Caroline says, “He and his friend Bill Jackson were known as the Wrong Brothers.” In his younger years he loved racing motor cross, and later in his life, Jerry was an avid golfer.
In February of 1959 he married Caroline Clara Pappert. The two met on a blind date, fixed up by mutual friends. Jerry’s sister, Mary, recalls driving them on that first date in what was then, Jerry’s brand-new Dodge D500 two door hard top. Jerry and Caroline lived in Salem, OR for many years before moving back out to the farm where Jerry was born in Rickreall. They were blessed with 64 years of marriage, three children, 8 grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Victoria, sister June Jackson, son-in-law Craig Calaba and granddaughter Kearstin Cameron (Sean).
Jerry is survived by his wife, Caroline; Children Michelle Cameron (Larry), Kimberly Calaba, Jerry Freeman (Heather), grandchildren Sean (Ashley), Scott, Jason, Corbin, Jerry, Matthew, Jonah and Kayla, and great grandchildren Kyah, Blaine, Orion, and soon-to-be baby Cameron. He is also survived by siblings, Mary Cooper (Aaron), Pat McCloud (Dennis), and Gene Freeman (Mary), and many special nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Oak Grove Grange, c/o 22705 Business 18, Willamina, OR 97396.
The family of Gerald (Jerry) wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Troy Abel, Jefferson Lodge staff, Dallas Fire, Serenity Hospice, Salem Hospital and to Dr. Mark Vanderburgh, M.D., for their care of Jerry.
If you would like to view the funeral details and leave your words of condolence please visit www.bollmanfuneralhome.com and click on Obituaries. The family welcomes you to add your own photos and stories to share.