Contact Us | office@molnarfuneralhome.com
Connect with us online | 
Dr. John C. Freeman
1950 - 2021
Loading...
D
Dan Jones posted a condolence
Saturday, March 13, 2021
It's the summer of 2013. I'm 33 and attending my first college class. There is less than a half dozen students sitting before an older gentleman fiddling with a non-working online video (who I'd learn is our professor - Dr. Freeman). On the curriculum is a collection of essays about Facebook, and I'm not a fan of social media. So, I ask myself, "What have you gotten yourself into?" Little did I know that I was attending one of my favorite, most thought-provoking classes. Why? Because Dr. Freeman and I would somehow have the deepest, intellectual conversations revolving around mediocre films like "Surrogates" and hologram concerts of Tupac Shakur. We'd discuss life, what was beyond it, and how important it all was.
On the side, he referred me to texts like "Walden Two" (something I'd add to my personal reading list, being a psych major) and movies like "Frances" (being an independent filmmaker and a Jessica Lange fan). Our discussions would continue after class, if only briefly, and leave me smiling, knowing that going to college was the right decision. (I'd also add "Walden Two" and "Frances" to my book/DVD library.)
Four years later, I'm attending my very last class as an undergrad with Dr. Freeman. I've only seen or spoken to him a couple of times over the years. I hadn't taken any more of his classes and hardly ever passed him in the halls. I was excited when the opportunity came to sign up for another one of his literature courses.
Our conversations were, again, enthralling. The class often vanished as we discussed "Oleanna" and Leslie Howard's underrated performance in "Pygmalion" (a movie and book I had read prior to his class but enthusiastic about covering with his guidance). This particular gathering of classmates was unfortunately immature, but he and I were making the best of it. I relayed to him the influence his ideas and assignments had had on me ever since my first day. His method of analysis snuck up on you, later, beyond class time.
I double majored in philosophy and psychology, however, the papers I wrote for him were so substantial and significant that I use them in my private practice and as a school social worker to this day. And how ironic, that I am writing my perspective of his life online, a topic we discussed multiple times.
The reason I've gotten so personal here (something I hardly ever do), is because he taught and spoke in an inviting, congenial manner. Classmates' interests and thoughts became one with his vision. He had a job to do, but you never thought of him as being your superior. He was not your intellectual equal, for he knew much more than the student, but he welcomed your thoughts with a smile. My experience only matters because it was shared with Dr. Freeman.
One last thing: On the day of my graduation, he was the only professor who literally took steps toward me to carry on a genuine conversation (and I had many mentors). After the ceremony, I looked for him but lost him in the crowd. I've since inquired to speak as an alumni student and have unfortunately been unable to work out the scheduling. Dr. Freeman was one of the top professors I wished to visit. Now, I've missed that chance. However, he and I know we are continuing the journey into the beyond. He's in my heart and is being shared with others.
Thank you, Dr. Freeman. You're my idol.
E
Emily Freeman Posted May 11, 2021 at 6:24 PM
Report
Mary McCall posted a condolence
Saturday, January 30, 2021
John was my "boss" when he was chair of the English department at U of D, but he was always my colleague. Others have commented on his basic decency, wit, and support. I can confirm all those things. He was one of the nicest people I have met. I feel for his family and friends. I feel for the English department because John's passing has created a gap. - Mary McCall
E
Emily Freeman posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/basketball.png
M
Michael Barry posted a condolence
Monday, January 18, 2021
John was a great person, and I will miss him. I was privileged to have known him for twenty-five years and to have gotten to know him well, and those of you in his family in the process. (I regard the fact that he directed his children to take classes from me as one of his kindest gestures to me, though I have no idea whether it happened that way.)
We talked about our scholarly projects together. I learned about fractals and self-similarity, about the golden mean, and about the history of the spelling of the word “o.” I came to appreciate player-piano scripts, which read from bottom to top and resemble rudimentary computer programs. He told me about an article he had written where two peer reviewers for the same journal made diametrically opposed recommendations. Over the course of two-and-a-half decades, you can talk about a lot, and while I am sure I have forgotten some of our conversations, there are many that I will never forget, even if they were quiet and undramatic.
Of course we talked about teaching. He made fun of my teaching, which was how I knew that he thought it was okay. In his own teaching, he was trying new methods, new assigned readings, and new technologies all the time. I have heard that the best teachers are the ones who are always striving to do better by making changes, and I can believe it, and he would be a good example. The best teachers are also the ones who care, and we can see since the time that he died that his students definitely felt that degree of care. He never spoke contemptuously of any student. He was a generous grader (or so I had heard from him, but it’s equally likely that he succeeded in getting the best out of students). And when we had the same student and he found out that I gave the student a lower grade, he said that he thought *I* might the one who was able to get more out of students, for that reason. That was his modesty. Last year, after he read a graduation portfolio of a student, he told me I shouldn’t make such long comments on student papers because it made him look bad.
It was when he was the chair of the department that he assigned to me a course called “History of the English Language”—he said he thought I would do a good job with it—and this turned out to be very important to my intellectual life. We talked about that class too, and I showed clips from *Pygmalion* when I taught it because he had taught it before I did, and he had shown clips from *Pygmalion.* And for some reason I remember that he liked the word “unlockable” because it means “not lockable” and also “able to be unlocked.”
I said he never spoke contemptuously of other students, but it’s probably true that he never spoke contemptuously of anyone else either. He had his disagreements with people from time to time, but he maintained good relationships with everyone. And I have described his generosity to me and to students, and that always seemed to me to be his way with everyone, because he saw the good in people. I read some of the letters he wrote for faculty members up for promotion, and they were extremely supportive but also convincing, because he had taken so much care and gathered so much evidence for the recommendations he was making. And of course they featured some of his characteristic wit and clever turn-of-phrase. There was always that.
O, and John was pretty adept at telling bad jokes too. He told me once that he got some of them from *Reader’s Digest.* And he seemed even to appreciate listening to my bad jokes too. He was also very good at the old trick of saying “Oh, Michael, I didn’t see you there.” You know the one: he would start becoming a little more animated than usual in conversation with someone else in the halls of Briggs and he would say “Some people around here don’t even care about cleaning up their offices!” and then “Oh, Michael, I didn’t see you there.”
Right now, writing about John does not feel like a salutary activity; it is painful; but I suppose it’s one of many things that is painful and important to do anyway, as a part of grieving.
I have already started to put together the top fifty limericks, and maybe the bottom five too, since of course there were some that deserved the low rank.
My love to you, Peggy and Emily and John and Sarah.
E
Emily Freeman Posted Jan 18, 2021 at 3:28 PM
Love you, too, Michael. And for the record, yes, he recommended that we take your classes. I'm sure you know this already, but he really appreciated how you pushed your students to take careful notes on the readings and to notice the small details; he believed these were vital skills for any student studying literature. He spoke very highly of your ability to teach this all-too-often underemphasized skill. By the way, you were also one of his favorite people to share his awful jokes with :)
V
Viktor Brown posted a condolence
Sunday, January 17, 2021
John, my Best Friend of many years
Passed away in a sudden unforgiving moment
Leaving a life rich in love and dedication
To his wife, children, family, friends, students....
A man of great values, intelligence and humor.
Known affectionately as Big John:
Big of Heart, Big of Mind, Big of Kindness
Big of Sports and Fun, Big of Love.......
E
Emily Freeman Posted Jan 18, 2021 at 2:22 AM
Love you, Uncle Vik, as did my dad. There will be an emptiness at all of our family gatherings; your bad puns will receive far fewer laughs now that my dad is gone <3 My dad was a man who truly believed in the power of narratives and stories, though. Hopefully, through the stories we tell, his legacy will last for many generations to come <3
T
Terri Marshall lit a candle
Saturday, January 16, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle7.png
Trying to find the right words and memories to commemorate such an amazing and geniunely caring person as Dr. Freeman has been difficult. I had the privilege of taking his courses every year as an undergraduate student, even in the summer. After my first class (Study of Poetry - 2007), he inspired me to begin a collection of anthologies, which I have continued to cherish since that class. He embodied authentic goodness and kindness like no other.
When I started college, I was a bit timid about expressing my ideas and opinions. I tried the tactic of no eye contact in hopes that Dr. Freeman would not call on me in class. He quickly discovered my failed attempts and began calling on me during every class. By the time I graduated, I was speaking more freely about my thoughts, and I know it was because he helped me grow and believe in myself. After graduating, I would always ask about him and remember our talks of Shakespeare and his ways of innovating his teachings for his future students.
Dr. Freeman really cared and it showed, and overall, he inspired. My sincere thoughts and prayers will continue to go to his family. Bless you all and thank you for sharing such a wonderful person with us all.
W
Wendy Marshall lit a candle
Thursday, January 14, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle8.png
Family of Professor Freeman. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength.
E
Elizabeth Lulis posted a condolence
Thursday, January 14, 2021
My full heart is shared with your family right now. I had the honor of knowing John as a beloved professor who helped me learn to stand on my academic legs over two decades ago and as a colleague who filled meetings with humor and warmth. My interest in literature, and especially drama, was fueled by John’s own passion. His support was marked by wit and a belief that each of us could aspire to something greater. At times, I didn't even know where I was heading with a thought, but John always found the thread that could weave a completed tapestry of purpose. Returning to campus as an adjunct, John not only remembered me as a former student but welcomed me as an equal. Knowing him was a true honor and gift.
T
Tia Dalley posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Professor Freeman was a great teacher and an excellent man. I have so many amazing memories that I want to share, but I will only share one. I was particularly interested in Fantomina, a story I had read in one of his courses and wanted to create something that would accompany my project by bringing scenes of the story to life. I made a poster board with art illustrations of the scenes and illustrations of masks, with quotes from the story underneath each picture. Professor Freeman was so excited at this small gesture that he asked me to carry it with him to his office. When I did so, he immediately jumped up on his desk, grabbed a tape dispenser, and taped the posterboard to his wall. I asked, “You’re really gonna keep it?” He said, “Of course!” And I thought he was joking. I visited the UDM campus a year ago, and stopped by his office. I jokingly asked if he still had the posterboard, as it wasn’t taped to the wall. To my surprise, he pulled it out from under his desk and proudly set it across the top and said, “I sure do.” I graduated in 2012, and for him to have still had my work in 2020 is a statement to how much he loved teaching and loved each and every one of his students. He will be sorely missed. May he Rest In Peace, and my condolences go out to his family.
P
Pamela posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
My condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of taking the Study of Drama last semester. I enjoyed the class and his teaching. He was one of the most kindest professors I've ever had. His spirit was clam and welcoming. I appreciated the light-hearted jokes he always had during class. He will be missed. My heart is with the family.
Pamela Kelly
E
Erick E. Barnes posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Dr. John Freeman, was among the kindest, thoughtful and most peaceful people that I have ever known. His smile and unique gait will be truly be missed in the halls of Briggs and will forever live in the hearts and minds of those of us he touched.
M
Mary-Catherine Harrison posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Our dear colleague John Freeman was a member of the University of Detroit Mercy English Department for 33 1/2 years. I first met John when I interviewed for a new faculty position in 2008, and despite my nerves he put me at ease with his generosity of spirit and laughter. He was exactly the same warm, gentle, and humorous man all the time I knew him.
John was prolific and wide-ranging in his scholarly interests--a true Renaissance scholar in both meanings of the word. I couldn't keep up with all of the avenues his research took him! And he never slowed down; in fact, the last email he sent me was about applying for research funding for a new project he had on the hob. John was also a much-loved teacher and kept in contact with many of our alums. He was deeply humble, and when I teased him about how much his students loved him he would say it was due to the pizza he would bring to class. But I also know he took quiet pride that his classes filled quickly due to the many positive reports students shared about his teaching. He never stopped trying new things to challenge, engage, amuse, and enchant undergraduates--and he never stopped succeeding.
John's bonhomie—and bon mots—are well known by anyone who had the privilege to know him. Most importantly, John was one of the kindest men I have ever met. I never heard him say a negative word about anyone. When he was on sabbatical he gladly agreed to let us store children's books waiting for donation in his office in Briggs, even when they threatened to take over! When I mentioned that I was finding it difficult to stay healthy in the pandemic he immediately offered me his elliptical machine, and went to great lengths to help us move it from his second floor--quite an engineering feat. It was also immediately evident how much he and Peggy cherished each other and their children, who are also alums of our department. I told both Peggy and John how much I admired their marriage and shared my hope that my husband John and I have the chance to have as long and happy a partnership. John was never happier than when he shared good news about his family or about colleagues and former students. (And when he had composed a particularly clever limerick!)
I can't imagine our department or our world without John in it. Thank you to Peggy, John, and Emily for sharing him with us for so many years.
M
Margaret O'Neill Posted Jan 12, 2021 at 2:24 PM
Oh wow, Mary Catherine. That was beautiful. John loved U of D Mercy so much. He felt that U of D Mercy was his other home. He truly loved everyone from Custodial Staff, Secretaries, Fellow Professors and his Beloved Students. He loved his time of serving as Chairperson to your Department. He though also loved returning tof Professorial Staff Status. Your words are touching, Mary Catherine. He loved God, me, our two children; John, and Emily Jane and UDM. Thank you, Dr. Mary Catherine Harrison
K
Kathleen Jaczynski lit a candle
Monday, January 11, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/candle_woodenstripes.png
His optimism, light-heartedness, and need to make the room feel at ease will be heavily missed. His light permeated outward through his love for others, faith, compassion, and authenticity with his students and colleagues. Until we meet again, good Sir.
S
Susan Trudeau posted a condolence
Monday, January 11, 2021
Dr. John Freeman was a gentleman, in the truest sense of the word. My favorite memory of him: when I was a student at UofD, my roommate and I tortured him. We attended his classes, in which only I was registered, drunk and wearing matching costumes. A favorite was bright orange vintage dresses and Minnie Pearl hats. We thought we were pretty funny, and we giggled our way through every lecture. He never said a word about our incorrigible behavior, to our delight. We let him in on the joke, although in my sober 50's, I am not sure what the joke was. And I earned an A, since I regarded the material and the papers with serious interest. I learned much from him, despite my attitude. When I returned to Detroit Mercy to work, I was pretty nervous about the reputation I might have from my student days. I was most nervous about John, since I was most ridiculous in his classes. I needn't have worried; he never acknowledged my past transgressions. About ten years into my career at Detroit Mercy, I arrived early to an English department meeting to find only him in the room. I asked him, at last, if he remembered my behavior as a student. He laughed and said that he did, but that he believed it benefited neither of us to bring it up. I was the recipient of his grace, and I worked with him as he applied that same grace to so many struggling students. He was a valued mentor, colleague, and friend.
M
Margaret O'Neill posted a condolence
Monday, January 11, 2021
I failed to mention my sister in law, Rose O'Neill, Eileen O'Neill, and Steve Glazek, all of whom also loved John. Too, many nephews and nieces all of whom loved John. His Donut Shop Friends and his Basket Ball Friends. Finally, his U of D Mercy Family and Colleagues. All of whom also loved John. His Roeper Students swell. xx Thank you all. To John, you were all important. He loved all of you. xx
,
M
Melissa StPierre posted a condolence
Monday, January 11, 2021
It is clear that the light from this amazing soul will continue to shine in this world.
K
Karen Brehmer lit a candle
Sunday, January 10, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle.png
It seems incomprehensible that ordinary things continue to happen when such an extraordinary man has gone. Matt and I have been trying to wrap our minds around this news since we heard; make it make sense, but I know it won't.
I met Big John the first time at the Gaelic League, and I think he said something about the girl Matt snagged; I'm not sure how it went. Big John had known Matt for years from when he used to play pool with Emily and John in the basement until all respectable hours of the night. When I eventually came on the scene, I found it remarkable how much John and Emily reminded me of Big John (when I finally met him) - and how much I could admire so much from one family.
When I started teaching at UDM - a sparse, spread out schedule - Big John was always there (it felt like); before I went into class, once I finished; morning, night - it didn't matter when. He always had a minute for me - a seat in his office for stories about Emily or John or Matt (or all three), or a stop-and-chat at the mailboxes. When I found out he taught Catfish to his students, too, we exhausted the subject. I admired him so much, I needed to find out how (or if) I could shift what I did to something similar to his. And oh, how jazzed he was that Nev Schulman had responded to one of my Facebook posts. Such small moments over the years wound up meaning so much. Once, I had an evening poetry class that wasn't going well. Before class one night, in strolled Big John and he joined me at my table; by the time he left, I felt loads better. We hadn't even talked about the class, but he had a knack for staying a few minutes longer that made all the difference.
I've heard a lot of stories about Big John over the years from Emily, Johnney, Matt, - even from Big John himself - and so many others, it's such a gift. I've been fortunate to know him even a little, and I am devastated by what this sudden loss means to so many of the people I love. I know a lot of worlds are dimmer now. Matt hasn't been able to find the words - he just shakes his head in disbelief.
To each of our friends who knew him, and especially to Emily, John, Sarah, and Peggy; to all the family, we send our love, always. With love, Karen Brehmer & Matt Burkett
K
Kathy and all the Treanors lit a candle
Sunday, January 10, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/candle_greenball.png
Ohhh Peggy, John, Emily, and all the Freeman and O'Neill families.... This news breaks my heart for you! The Treanors are praying BIG time for all of you. What a huge loss of such a great man! His legacy in all three of you speaks volumes for the extraordinary good he gave our world. Emily, your writing captured an enviable lifetime of father-daughter loving, laughter, and always growing together. (I even had to go look up the Tupac article! What a diverse, deep-thinking educator and writer bonus role in dad!) and Peggy I want to hug you so tight.... you've always been that special person and deserved the best, which you have in John - 41 1/2 years! WOW! Forever together in eternity. And John, you know you're our fave male Irish band leader and person.... you do your dad (and mom) proud! You've always been so good to my parents, making them feel important and encouraging them to keep dancing and laughing. I'm sure that's a bit of both your dad and mom in you! This photo truly captures the twinkle in the eye, welcoming, always good for the craic John Freeman who will always be missed. Words can't comfort the way we want to, but know that our prayers continue for you and your family! May God Bless and Keep You All Together across the "thin places" and may you feel John with you! We Love You!
M
Margaret O'Neill Posted Jan 11, 2021 at 9:56 AM
Kathy, Thank you so much. You and your parents will forever be special to us.Your Tribute is Beautiful.God bless you, Kathy. xx
M
Margaret O'Neill lit a candle
Sunday, January 10, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle3.png
I will love my husband, John, into Eternity. We were married for 41 1/2 years. We have two wonderful children together. We were in love. My life as I knew it , ceased to be when I found John, not breathing three days ago. I am Heart Sick. John was the most wonderful Husband, Father and Friend that anyone could ever want to know. He was a Brilliant and published Professor. He was caring and oh so loving for sure. I will miss John forever. I know that John is with God. He was just the best. He will be missed by all who knew him and loved him. Thank you to all of his Colleagues, Friends and family. My sister in law, Deanna Earl, is just as devastated. She lives in Cornwall, England. She is under Quarantine there and cannot come in for his private Funeral Service. Our Beloved Children, John and Emily Jane, and John's Wife, Sarah are all also devastated. My own family of origin are crushed and heart broken for sure. We all loved John. He was quite simply the best. My Aunt Marsha, Denise Bennett, Tom Morrissey, Robin Tillen Brown, Viktor Brown, my sisters; Mary Kay Glazek, Joanne Stypula, Nancy O'Neill, my brothers; Patrick, Bill, John and Tim are all also heart broken. Kim Tillen is also crushed by the news. His many Colleagues at The University of Detroit Mercy, his Roeper students, his U of D Mercy students, our neighbors, Amy, Brendan, Lou and Angie are all saddened. John was my rock. He is with God. He loved everyone. Everyone loved John. Rest In Peace, John. I will love you forever. xx Your loving wife, Margaret Freeman O'Neill ( Peg. ) xx
E
Emily Freeman posted a condolence
Sunday, January 10, 2021
I have yet to figure out exactly what I want to say about my dad, and sadly due to COVID, most of you will not be at his funeral. However, I wrote this a few minutes ago, and I hope it gives everyone a sense of the incredible person he was to all of us who were lucky enough to call him family, friend, colleague, or teacher ❤
I am still in no shape to describe my dad or to adequately memorialize him. There are many words that have been used to describe him over these past few days—kind, giving, a true Renaissance man, loyal, humorous, always ready to help someone in need, a brilliant mind, skilled teacher, deeply proud of his family, an amazing husband to my mom, and the list goes on.
All of this is very true. He is the guy who published an article entitled “Re-Proofing the Zero Part of Speech” in Hamlet” one month and a few months later published “Tupac’s Quest for Black Jesus: God as Deadbeat Dad and Afeni, the Migdala.” To call his scholarly interests diverse would be a tremendous understatement.
My dad didn’t publish because he needed to for his employment; he secured the rank of professor many years ago. He published because his mind never stopped processing the texts around him—whether those texts be a well-known poem such as Poe’s The Raven or more, shall we say, popular texts such as MTV’s documentary series Catfish. He woke up before dawn most days to write and could speak for hours about his projects; this writing invigorated him, and despite my best efforts to not get trapped into caring about what he was talking about, he would inevitably draw me in.
He brought this same level of excitement to his classroom. My dad did not teach the subjects that many students would necessarily automatically enjoy. Early Modernist and Long-18th Century courses are intellectually challenging, as students grapple with writing styles and philosophies that they likely have not seen very much of previously. However, with his quiet voice, quick smile, and true passion for the material, he could make the most challenging of material interesting for his students.
I worry that the Little Caesar’s at 6 Mile & Livernois might struggle to stay in business now that my father is no longer around. He made frequent visits to that location, as bringing pizza to his students was an extremely common occurrence in his classroom. Teaching his students, helping them develop their own academic pursuits, and getting to know them as individuals was truly one of the greatest joys in my father’s life. He always told me that he had no plans to retire because he still looked forward to going to work everyday, visiting with his colleagues and the whole College of Liberal Arts crew, and teaching his students.
It is hard to imagine walking into the Briggs building ever again, as I will always be waiting for my dad to turn around a corner. I grew up on the McNichols’ campus. I remember waiting for him to finish teaching one evening class and looking up from my coloring book, only to loudly say “Oh, Daddy, you’re so crazy.” Needless to say, that story made it through campus quite quickly.
In all seriousness, though, I learned a great deal from following my dad around UDM for all of those years. He taught me the art of close reading and how to take those small observations and turn them into research projects. Most importantly, though, he showed me what it meant to be a great teacher. Knowing what you’re talking about is only a small piece of the puzzle; the larger piece is recognizing each student and genuinely showing interest in their work. Michael Barry, a close friend and colleague of my dad, recently shared with me that my dad told him early on in his teaching career to “be yourself” with your students.
As I think of stories from my dad’s teaching career that include jumping rope through the hallways of Briggs, playing Office episodes in class to explain some concept regarding irony, and joking to the basketball players in his class that he still had four years of college eligibility if they were looking for a new teammate, it is not at all surprising that this is the advice he would offer a new teacher. My dad walked into every room with a quiet humility and grace. Realistically, I will never be the teacher my dad was; however, when my office hours run long because a student is struggling, or I spend a ridiculously long time perfecting a student’s recommendation letter, I know that these are the pedagogical behaviors and values that I learned from him.
So far, I’ve described my dad as having a tremendous humility, which he did. However, that humility did not extend into how he would speak of my brother or me. He often tells how he knew my brother would become a poet ever since he was a little guy and told him that the “sky of his mouth” was hurting. Whenever my brother had a poetry reading or played a gig with the Codgers, you would not find my dad calmly siting and listening. He would instead be to the side of the stage proudly watching him perform. While quiet and humble, he was also the ultimate stage parent, and his pride in Johnny was truly palpable to anyone who might happen to be in the room.
I was the youngest in my family, and in my dad’s eyes, could do no wrong (Clearly, he was correct in that assessment.). In my early years, I think I viewed most of the world from 7 1/2 feet off the ground, as he would cart me around on his shoulders through Warrendale, the Detroit neighborhood we called home the first eight years of my life. We made our daily trek along Warren Avenue to Dawn's Donuts and then to the party store across the street where I could always convince him to purchase me an ice cream or whatever else I had on my mind that day.
While I eventually grew too tall to be carried along on my father’s shoulders, he never actually stopped trying to carry my metaphorical burdens throughout life. When I would become stumped while writing a paper, he would sit there and talk through ideas with me well into the night. When my dog rolled in something disgusting and I could not stop dry-heaving long enough to throw her into the tub, he would show up and save me from these miserable life moments.
Unfortunately, on the night of January 7th, the day I’ve never wanted to see occurred when my sister-in-law knocked on my door and told me that he was gone. As we pulled up to my parents’ house, my eyes turned to the garage where my dad and I spent countless hours shooting baskets, and I collapsed to the ground in tears there, just wanting to disappear and not have to face what happened.
In this moment, I had this sinking thought that I could not get through the world without him by my side. I am an anxious mess of a human in most cases, and he was always there to help pull me together when I needed him. He taught me how to have compassion and grace for others, how to fight like hell for the causes that you believe in, and to always, no matter the consequences, be there for everyone around you. As the phone calls, visits, and text messages started to filter in over the past several days, I realized that I unconsciously have chosen to surround myself with people who have the same ethos that my father had, loyal to a fault, ready to drop everything for those they care about, and a deep sense of social justice. Of all the gifts he has left me, this is the greatest of all.
J
Jasmina Cunmulaj lit a candle
Saturday, January 9, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/candle_cream.png
“Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
For those whom thou think’st thou dost overthrow
Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and soul’s delivery.
Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,
And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well
And better than thy stroke; why swell’st thou then?
One short sleep past, we wake eternally
And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.”
~ John Donne
Professor Freeman was a brilliant professor and individual who lightened every darkness. I will remember him for his gentle soul, kind demeanor, and unlimited knowledge of English Literature. Renaissance Literature was brought back to life at UDM in the halls of Briggs with Professor Freeman - and so, heaven has gained yet another artist and angel. I, along with his many other students, will miss him deeply. It was a privilege to be taught by Professor Freeman. My condolences to the Freeman family, may love and light guide you through this difficult time.
- Jasmina Cunmulaj (former student of Professor Freeman)
E
Emily Freeman Posted Jan 10, 2021 at 11:34 PM
Thanks for sharing these beautiful memories of him ❤
M
Margaret O'Neill Posted Jan 11, 2021 at 9:23 AM
Thank you, Karen. John truly loved Matt and you. xx
M
Margaret O'Neill Posted Jan 11, 2021 at 9:26 AM
Jasmina, how touching. How appropriate. Thank you for reaching out. xx
A
Ania Dadkhah posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, January 9, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/books.png
I was a student of Professor Freemans and I am heartbroken to hear the news. I, and my classmates, will never forget him and his amazing energy. I am so sorry to those grieving his loss, please stay strong.
A
Alexis Vasquez posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, January 9, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/books.png
Dr. Freeman was an amazing professor and will truly be missed. My deepest condolences to the family during this hard time.
F
The family of Dr. John C. Freeman uploaded a photo
Friday, January 8, 2021
/tribute-images/10838/Ultra/Dr-John-Freeman.jpg
Please wait
Driven by a passion to serve families, our team is comprised of compassionate and dedicated people who are always willing to go above and beyond to support each family during a difficult time.
Our caring and professional staff will also go to great lengths to assist your family in creating a personalized and unique service for your loved one.
At Molnar Funeral Homes we offer four different locations from which families can choose.
Our History
John Molnar, Sr. opened the Detroit Hungarian Funeral Home, now the Molnar Funeral Homes, in 1923. The funeral home began in his home until relocating across the street to it's Delray location at 8623 Dearborn Avenue, in 1936. He had a strong work ethic and believed that you should never stop learning...
