Walter E. Freeman(1947 - 2011)
Freeman, Walter E.

There were two things that meant the world to Walter Eugene Freeman (Papa Geno): nature and his family.

Freeman, an Oshkosh resident and an avid hunter, died Sunday during a trip in the woods in Hiles, Wis., to check his baiting spots with his daughter, Bonnie Freeman. He was 64.

His son, Robert Spain, explained that Freeman loved to share his knowledge of nature with his family. "The only thing that was better than being in the wilderness was if he could be there with his kids or grandchildren."

Born March 1, 1947 to Bonnie Keith and Thomas Freeman in Astoria, Ore., Freeman spent his growing up years in Oregon and Michigan. He graduated from Kingsford High School in Kingsford, Mich. He attended UW-Green Bay for business.

He moved to Oshkosh in 1985 to begin work at Oshkosh Corporation. Freeman worked as an assemblyman for 28 years, where he took great care in his handiwork and made lifelong friends with his co-workers.

Married to Janice Freeman for 36 years, Freeman, a father of six, grandfather of 12 and great-grandfather of three, showed devotion in everything he did.

His daughter Melinda Freeman-Spencer describes him as having unconditional love for everyone he meets.

"He can always be remembered as having a smile on his face, a beer in his hand and a hug to give," she said.

It didn't matter if you were a complete stranger; Freeman would always greet you with a smile and a "Hey kiddo!" and continue with a great story of the outdoors.

He shared his love for the wilderness with family and friends at his cabin in Hiles. Freeman was known to pet bumblebees to show his grandchildren how friendly nature is.

He loved sitting around the campfire with his family at his side. "He always wanted us to sing Patsy Cline," Bonnie said. "And you'd look at him and he'd have a big smile on his face and tears in his eyes."

Freeman is survived by wife, Janice Ann Freeman; his daughters, Melinda (Lance) Freeman - Spencer, Bonnie Freeman, Amy (Keith Moon) Freeman, Robert (Janet) Spain, April Skarban, Tina (Mike) Gehl; his mother, Bonnie Faye Keith; niece Marlo Bal and nephew Gordon Swain; grandchildren Tessa, Madelynn, Mandi, Mitchell, Brandon, Brianna, Lindsey, Jessica, Kristen, Crystal, Amanda, and Nathaniel; and great-granddaughters Imagine, Corinne and Cecelia.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Freeman and his sister Marsha Freeman.

A celebration of Papa Geno's legacy will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Freeman's residence on Friday, September 9, 2011.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the United Special Sportsman Alliance, to help those with special needs to become hunters.

Published in Oshkosh Northwestern on September 7, 2011