Ronald Eugene Freeman, Jr., 55, of Galesburg, died on Monday, November 6, 2023 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg surrounded by his family.
He was born May 15, 1968 in Sycamore, Illinois, the son of Ronald Eugene and Jane Ellen (Hopkins) Freeman, Sr. After graduating from high school, Ron joined the United States Army. He worked for Waste Management as a refuse collector for about ten years, until his retirement in 2011. Ron ended up going back to work for a little while after his retirement at Cornelius in Monmouth. Lastly, he helped clean out repossessed houses. Ron married Tammy (DeJaynes) Harper on October 13, 2020 in Galesburg.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Tammy Freeman of Galesburg; two sons: Alex (Liz) Freeman and Robert “Trey” (Kayla) Stone, both of Manito, Illinois; a step-son, Sean Harper of Abingdon, Illinois; three daughters: Alicia Stone of Knoxville, Illinois, Brighton Freeman and Skyyler Harper, both of Galesburg; and twelve grandchildren. Also surviving is his mother, Jane Henning of Newark, Illinois; his step-mother, Gloria Mietzner of Somonauk, Illinois; one brother, Joseph (Brian Johnson) Henning of McDonough, Georgia; and two half-sisters: Nicole (Robert) Dierzen of Newark and Sarah Dannenberg of Mineral Point, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his father.
Ron was a die-hard fan of the Chicago Cubs and was also an avid fan of Miami Dolphins. He enjoyed collecting sports memorabilia, drawing, and crafting lamps. His all-time favorite drink was Mountain Dew and he liked listening to Aerosmith. Ron will be remembered for his caring personality; he would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. He was a big jokester and had a great sense of humor. Ron was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, and friend and will be deeply missed.
Cremation will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, December 10, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at PZ’s Steakhouse, 2330 Grand Ave, Galesburg, IL 61401. Memorials may be made to the family. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
