BROWN Kathryn Elizabeth

Notes:

One more daughter
Occupation: Homemaker, teacher before marriage

Died:
Burial October 5 1951 in Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights, MN.

Kathryn married FREEMAN Charles Etson on 30 Apr 1894 in Franklin, Renville Co., MN. Charles (son of FREEMAN George Henry and MCDONOUGH Mary) was born on 11 Jun 1869 in Westport, Essex Co., NY; died on 05 Feb 1951 in Franklin, Renville Co., MN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

1st Born. Only lived 8 months.

Died:
Burial St. Patrick's New Birch Cooley, Renville, MN.

Notes:

2nd born
Occupation: Nurse

Died:
Burial in Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota, MN.
Requiem mass at Church of the Sacred Heart, Franklin, MN August 19, 1965.

Notes:

3rd born
In 1933 Gladys was appointed posmaster of Franklin, MN after the
death of Erickson.

In 1934 Gladys moved the post office into the State Bank building in
Franklin, MN.

In 1952 William Fleischer became postmaster after the resignation of
Gladys Freeman.

Occupation: Post Mistress

Died:
Burial March 22, 1983 in resurrection Cemetery, Mendota, MN.

Notes:

4th born
Occupation: Teacher

Died:
Burial in Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota, MN.

Bernice married NELSON Les on 30 Jul 1925. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

5th born 2 boys
Occupation: Lawyer

Died:
Burial February 20, 1950 in Highland park IL.

Obituary:
Kansas City –– George B. Freeman, about 49 years old, Highland park, Illinois, an organizer and a first president of the Young Democratic Clubs of Missouri, died on Friday, February 17 at St. Luke's hospital in Chicago, where he had been a patient three weeks.

Mr. Freeman, a former Kansas city lawyer, was appointed in 1932 as Missouri's representative on a national board which formed the Young Democratic Clubs of America under the sponsorship of the Democratic national committee.

He was elected president of the state club at its first annual convention here in 1933. Mr. Freeman was chairman of the general arrangements committee for the national convention of the Young Democratic Clubs of America which was held in Kansas City the same year. He was a leading contender for the presidency of the national group. Mr. Freeman also was appointed president in 1932 of the Missouri division of the old Roosevelt Motor Club of America, an auxiliary unit to the Democratic national campaign committee.

He was born in Franklin, Minnesota, and had lived here about eight years before moving to Highland Park twelve years ago. His wife, the former Miss Jane Newman, of the home, is the daughter of Mrs. Louis E, Newman, 3409 West Sixty-eighth street.

Mr. Freeman was a graduate of the University of Minnesota. He was associated with the Federal Trade commission in Chicago. He also leaves two sons, George Freeman, Jr., and David Freeman, both of home.

George married NEWMAN Jane Marie on 02 Aug 1930. Jane (daughter of E Louis) was born on 22 Aug 1904. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

6th born

Was an Undertaker and Merchant of furniture, lumber, & coal

Social Security Number: 469-05-8570

Charles received an honorable discharge from the United State Army on November 5, 1944 at Separation Center, WD Personnel Center #1772, Jefferson Barracks, Missouri.
37585837, Technician Fifth Grade, Hq Co, IRTC, Fort McClellan, Ala.

Died:
Burial in National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.
Grave 4104, Section G

Charles married HART Bernice Louella on 07 Feb 1931 in St. Paul, Ramsey Co., MN. Bernice (daughter of HART Robert Stephen (John Sphenen) and CHANDONNET Mary Jane) was born on 08 Jun 1908 in Beaulieu, Becker Co., MN; died on 02 Jan 1983 in St. Paul, Ramsey Co., MN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

7th born
Became a nun.
Professed 8-15-1933
Final Vows 8-15-1936
Name in Religion, Sr. Gertrude.
Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet

Born April 29, 1909 in Franklin, Minnesota, to Charles Freeman and Kathryn Brown, the child christened Gertrude Catherine was their youngest child. She already had four sisters and 2 brothers. The oldest in the family was a girl, Ethel, a nurse at St. Joseph's hospital in St. Paul. Ethel was a private nurse and a real bedside nurse. Everybody knew and loved Ethel. Living across the street from the St. Paul Seminary, she fed the young men when they were well and cared for them when, as priests, they became ill.

The youngest child lived all her life under the patronage of St. Gertrude. Her home was a warm and hospitable one. The father knew everybody in town and everybody knew him. He owned the furniture store and, as usual in smaller towns, was also the funeral director. The mother was a caring person each year boarding the school teachers. She was a great cook and the baking skills were said to be the best in town.

Sister Gertrude got her early education, grade and hight school in the Franklin schools but eventually she enrolled at the College of St. Catherine where she majored in English and History and continued to get to know the Sisters of St. Joseph.

She first met them in summer catechism classes in Franklin. She continued to like what she saw and entered their congregation in the middle of her senior year, February 1931. And she never stopped learning.

English and History may have been her majors, but she was soon asked to teach Home Economics and she worked to learn that. I think she probably inherited a good many capabilities and skills from her mother!

She spent many years in school administration, having experiences in all our high schools in Minnesota except Derham Hall. She could be registrar, principal or counsellor, perhaps occasionally a combination. Preparation for these assignments took her to various institutions of higher learning. University of Minnesota, Washington U. in Seattle and St. Louis University. To learn counseling skills she went to south Dakota State in Brooklings.

All her travels were not primarily for study. A trip to Hawaii and one to Canada were delightful, pleasurable experiences. Just as delightful but in a different way were the "tours", the high school trips made each year with the high school seniors. It was by rail, plane and bus that she and they enjoyed Chicago, Boston, New York and Washington. The highlight of one trip was the meeting with John F. Kennedy in the White House. Nobody who was there ever forgot it.

Sister Gertrude liked to sew and do craft work, and kind of craft work. That helped her to fit right in to Bethany when she came in April, 1981. We hope your years where have been fruitful and joyful, and that every added day will bring you added joy!.

Died:
Eulogy:

Gertrude Freeman died at a most glorious time: the Easter season, beginning of spring, and eight days before her own birthday. May these days of celebration provide great comfort to all who knew and dearly loved her.

Born in Franklin, Minn., on April 29, 1909, to Kathryn Brown and Charles Freeman, Gertrude was the sixth of seven children. Like her brothers and sisters, she was educated in the Franklin Public Schools. During the summer the Freeman children along with other Catholic children, attended catechism classes taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph. Perhaps it was that interactions to the CSJs that brought Gertrude to the College of St. Catherine, and it was from there, in the middle of her senior year, that she joined the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1931.

While Gertrude's undergraduate degree was in English and history, her teaching quickly focused on home economics and she obtained an advance degree in the field. She taught students not only how to prepare a well-balanced meal, but more importantly, how to personally welcome other people into their homes and their lives. Her ministry in education spanned nearly five decades and included inner-city, rural and suburban schools. She was an administrator as well as a teacher, and served as principal or assistant principal at three schools: St. Joseph's Academy, St. Paul; Holy Redeemer, Marshall; and the Academy of Holy Angels, Minneapolis. Honesty and compassion marked her relationships with students, parents and teachers.

When she was 60, and at an age when many people would begin to think of retiring, Gertrude decided to study for a certificate in counseling. Once she obtained this, she returned to an academic setting, this time St. Mary's Junior College where she advised many young people not only about their academic endeavors, but about their personal concerns as well. Positive and upbeat, Gertrude influenced many lives.

Time permitting, her summers offered opportunities not only for more study, but for travel and camping as well, and this despite years of back pain. After Gertrude retired to Bethany in 1981, she continued to work as a volunteer at St. Mary's Hospital Pain Clinic. She wanted to encourage others who experienced unusual pain, and share with them her own ability of learning how to live with pain. Never did any family or community member feel that Gertrude's life evolved around her physical limitations.

Gertrude's family was always an important part of her life, and with them she enjoyed holiday celebrations. As it became more difficult for her to get around, her family came to be with her – nieces and nephews to the fourth generation. Throughout her life, she was a fun and easy person to be with; she was kind and loving, and did whatever she could to make people feel "at home."

As the news of her death was announced at Bethany, ones sister summed up what so many were feeling: "All I know is that I loved her dearly."

Gertrude died at Bethany Convent on April 21. A visitation service was held at Bethany on April 24 and 25; the Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on April 25. Interment followed at Resurrection Cemetery. She is survived by nieces and nephews, and their families.

Notes:

Adopted (youngest child) with the name of Florence around the age of 2.

Died:
Burial February 22 1956 in Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota,
MN.

Family/Spouse: NELSON Lennart. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

George married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Charles graduated in 1953 from St. John's University in St. Cloud,
MN. He served in the US Army from 1953 to 1956 as a food inspector in
France. Charles was a Polymer Chemical Engineer in research and
development for 3M 28 years, subsequently for Unisys and Varitronics.
He is a pantentee in rubber tape, film adhesive, pressure sensitive
tape, plated wire memory and high strength adhesives.

Charles best know passion was for photography. He had very large
collection of cameras and was an accomplished photographer with
experience shooting a variety of subjects within the US and abroad.
Charles enjoyed owning a large variety of sports cars over his life,
and had many collections including his cameras, watches, and other
items. Charles spoke fluent German and had the opportunity to travel
abroad many times.

Birth:
Born in St. Joseph's Hospital, St. Paul, Ramsey County, MN

Died:
Buried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, St. Paul, MN September 30,
2005.
Funeral service held at Fort Snelling Chapel September 29, 2005.
Msgr. William Baumgaertner, Celebrant. Readings by Betty Leedom,
sister and Carol Freeman, sister-in-law. A reception lunch followed
at the Fort Snelling Club.

Charles married SCHAEFER Jacqueline Mary on 27 Feb 1954. Jacqueline (daughter of SCHAEFER Dr. Vincent and van der HAGEN Jacqueline Marie Wilhelmina) was born on 24 Jul 1933 in St. Cloud, MN; died on 23 Jun 1978 in St. Paul, Ramsey Co., MN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Charles married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Charles married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
Lived 5 hours

Notes:

Died:
Died in Ramsey Hospital, St. Paul, MN

Patricia married LAMOTTE Jerome Andre on 31 Jan 1953 in St Croix Beach, Washington Co., MN. Jerome (son of Viola) was born on 14 Nov 1934; died on 06 Sep 2017 in New Richmond, WI. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• First Communion: 30 May 1945, St. Marks Church
• Confirmation: 08 Jul 1948, St. Marks Church

Notes:

Became a nun, professed March 9, 1957
Final vows August 6 1962 sister of St. Joseph of Carondalet
SSN: 469-38-0915

Worked as an elementary school teacher in the St. Paul Public Schools until retirement June 16, 1997 after 30 years of service.

Christen: July 4, 1937 in Franklin, Renville Co., Minnesota in Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Presented by Brian Freeman at Betty's one year memorial:

The Life of Betty Leedom


Betty was born June 22, 1937, the last surviving and middle child of 7 siblings:
Charles Robert 73
Gertrude Mary 0 Stillborn in 1934
Patricia Ann 41
Elizabeth Jane 76
Mary Kathleen 1
John McDonough 64
Margaret Joanne 66

Betty and family grew up in Franklin, MN near the Lower Sioux Indian Reservation in Morton, MN. This was the 3rd generation of Freemans living in Franklin.

Her grandfather, Charles Etson Freeman, owned a firm called Poss & Freeman starting in 1909 as a partnership. By 1915 they split the business and named it “Freeman Furniture, Lumber, and Undertaking”, which tells you what he did. Charles E. was a very prominent person in Franklin and married to Kathryn Elizabeth Brown “Katy” for 51 years. Charles E. kept the store until 1950, a year before he died, at the age of 81. To date, he has over 109 descendants.

Of his 8 children, Charles Lyle Freeman became Betty’s Father and married Bernice Hart, or “Bee.” As many know, Bee is our link to Native American ancestry. She was enrolled at White Earth, the same as Betty. Bee died at the age of 84 and Charles L. at 51.

At about 19 years old, Betty took her vows at ST. Joseph of Corondalet, becoming a nun. As many do when they enter the church, they will choose a name they will be called while they serve god.

Betty cared so deeply for her younger sister who died at the age of one, she took her name and was known as Sister Mary Kathleen Freeman. While in the convent, Sister Mary Kathleen worked towards and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Saint Catherine on July 21st, 1966.

Betty stayed in the convent and followed her vows 10 years, until she asked to be released of her vows in 1967, about a month after I was born. I found out only in the last 10 years that she was my God Mother.

At almost the same time, Betty was offered a job with the St. Paul School System teaching 1st grade students at Riverview Elementary School. Nine years later, she married Robert Leedom in Las Vegas, on July 28th, 1976.

Betty continued to work for the St. Paul school system as an elementary teacher until June 16th, 1997 after 30 years of service.

Betty also remained loyal to Bob as his wife for 20 years until he passed on Jun 28, 1996 at the age of 72. They loved each other and supported each other in marriage and life.

Betty remained highly active in the church since she was a nun. She had close ties to her aunt, Sister Gurtrude. Gurtrude spent most of her 88 years serving the church as a nun.

Betty’s interests outside of the church included her love for children. Many of us here have worn clothing as toddlers that Betty made just for each of us. She has taken us into her home many times as children and adults just because she cared for us. She cared deeply for most of her family, though she never had any kids of her own. This is one of her biggest legacies.

She also had a love for crafts. Those of you who saw her home (especially the basement) have seen that. She loved to make clothing, dolls, cards, beading, and many other things for other people.

She enjoyed working on the family tree and was my first source of information when I started getting into genealogy. Since then we now have information on over 50,000 relatives.

Betty was also interested in her Native American heritage. Though it was many generations ago now, we come from a native woman given the white name of Marguerite Racine. Her Indian name was O-Ge-mau-gee-Shi-go-Qua or Queen of The Skies. She was married to a French Canadian Bazile Beaulieu, a highly documented family.

Betty attended occasional pow wows with me and some drum practices for a while. About 15 years ago she asked the same person that did the pipe ceremony for Pam and me at our wedding, to perform a naming ceremony for her. She had always wanted an Indian name. Unfortunately, that never happened.

Though we come from an Ojibwe heritage, I myself have learned and follow the Lakota/Dakota ways.

In the Dakota way, traditionally a person has 4 names through out their life. They are given a name at birth, and then another when becoming an adult. Later in life it is common to have another name that is used. Finally, in death a name is given to the person for the spirits to use in the after life.

When she was born, Betty’s given name was Elizabeth Jane. When she joined the convent she took the name of Sister Mary Kathleen. After leaving the convent her commonly used name was Betty.

Since Betty was never able to receive the Indian name she wanted, I have decided to give her an Indian name to take with her to the spirit world.

I hereby give her the name of

Koskala Awankiciyanka

In Lakota, this means: She who looks after the young.


Finally, I want to sing a memorial song in her honor. The tradition is to allow 1 year to mourn the loss of a loved one. At the end of a year a memorial is held to honor that person and then release their spirit. There should be no more mourning after our memorial today, for Betty.

The song I am about to sing says in Lakota:

Where have you gone?
Your relatives are crying, looking for you.


Tuwe sita ku
Tokaia iyahay, Tokia iyahay
Mitakuye Koyo
Cayio onikeylepelo
Cayi a u wey
Cayi a u wey
Oka tika loyo


Thank you.

Died:
"Betty" ~ (nee: Freeman) Age 76, of St. Paul
Betty died unexpectedly on September 26, 2013 at Regions Hospital of complications from heart surgery.

Betty and Bob were married in Las Vegas on July 28, 1976. They love to travel to Las Vegas and to visit friends and family around the country. Betty touched many lives in her 40 years as an elementary school teacher in St. Paul and through her work in her church and with the Franciscan Brothers of Peace and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Betty enjoyed crafts of all kinds and introduced many nieces, nephews and friends to the world of crafts and sewing. Betty was also a member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. She was also a member of Postulant Class of '54.

She was preceded in death by beloved husband Robert, parents Charles and Bernice, siblings Charles, Getrude Mary, Patricia, Mary Kathleen, John and Joanne.

Survived by sisters-in-law Carol Freeman and Irene Pruzan. Nieces and nephews: Sue Lamotte (John Polzin), Michelle Giguere (Tim), Sheila Heuer (Kevin), Jane LaMotte, Dan LaMotte (Stephanie), Bob Freeman, Tim Freeman (Kathy), Patrick Freeman (Barb), Doug Freeman (Laurie), Brian Freeman (Pam), Pam Foster (Rich), Tom Freeman (Beth), Karen Rodriguez, Gretchen Flynn (Brian), Heidi Franke (Matt).

Great Nieces and Nephews: Tim, Molly, Danny Quinn, Andy, Kenny, Kimberly and Ali Freeman, Michael, Molly, Patrick Flynn, Emma, Rebecca, Charlie Franke, Jackson, Kristin Foster, Tucker, Owen, Gavin, Finn Freeman, Jackson, Gabby LaMotte and many other great and great-great nieces and nephews. Also, survived by special Grandson, Tommy Polzin. Betty was a special friend of the Franciscan Brothers of Peace and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 am Monday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1801 LaCrosse Ave., St. Paul, visitation at church 9:30 to 10:30 Monday September 30th. Burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred. Arr. Chapel Funeral Providers, 651-224-8080.

Elizabeth married LEEDOM Robert Allison on 28 Jul 1976 in Las Vegas, Clark Co., NV. Robert (son of LEEDOM Calbert Harry and KRAFT Elsie Marie) was born on 19 Aug 1923 in St. Paul, Ramsey Co., MN; died on 28 Jun 1996 in St. Paul, Ramsey Co., MN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Burial in St. Patrick's New Birch Cooley, Renville Co., MN.

Notes:

John was born in Franklin, Minnesota having lived in Stillwater, MN,
St. Paul, MN, W. Dundee, IL, Muskegon, MI and Joliet, IL before
moving to Wayne, NJ in 1972.

John graduated from St. Agnes High School, St. Paul, MN with the
class of 1959. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree
in Chemistry from College of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN with the class
of 1963.

John was a chemist for thirty four years having worked for GAF
Corporation, Wayne, NJ for the past two years and previously the
Witco Corporation Paterson, NJ and Richardson Chemical Corporation,
West Paterson, NJ.

John had a love of family, gardening, photography and wood-working.

Died:
Funeral held thursday March 9, 2006 at the Vander May Wayne Colonial
Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, NJ.
Interment: Christ the King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes. NJ.

John married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Mass of Christian burial August 20, 2009 11 AM at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Stillwater, MN.
Interment at St. Michael's Cemetery, Bayport, MN
Last lived at 108 W. School Street, Stillwater, MN 55082

Margaret married SCHMIT Paul F. on 09 Nov 1963 in St. Agnes, and was divorced in Feb 1976. Paul (son of SCHMIT Frederick Peter and (Schmit) Eva Marie) was born on 28 Apr 1939 in Langdon, ND; died on 10 May 2013. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Michelle married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Michelle married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Linda married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]