Roger W. Freeman, age 88 of Duluth, passed away peacefully, following a long battle with Parkinson's Disease, on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the Benedictine at Innsbruck Care Center in New Brighton.

In addition to his parents, John and Lillian (Wasenius) Freeman, Roger was preceded in death by his wife, Pearl Freeman; daughter, Terri (Kevin) Roses; brothers, Harry, Wesley, and Lester Freeman.  He is survived by his first wife, Emy Jurasin; children, Randy (Sharon) Freeman, Cheryl (Greg) Fritz; step-son, John (Paula) Hubert; 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; also many other relatives and friends.

Roger was born in Duluth, MN.  He graduated from Denfeld High School.  He enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Sakata, Japan, under the occupation forces at a radar installation.  Roger, having great love and respect for Japanese people, always talked about what a wonderful experience it was.  He was awarded the Korean Service medal, UN Service medal, and National Defense medal, and a Good Conduct medal.  Upon receiving his Honorable Discharge from the service, Roger followed in his father's footsteps, working for Minnesota Power and Light, working his way from janitor, to lineman, to Engineering, and ended his career as manager of Customer Service.  He was a charter member of Mount of Olives Baptist Church and worked faithfully to establish a new church on top of the hill in Duluth.  After retirement, he spent winters in Florida and Arizona but always looked forward to the beautiful summers in Duluth.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home, 2005 Branch Avenue, Anoka. Visitation one hour prior to the service (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)  Interment with Full Military Honors will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 14, 2020 in Oneota Cemetery, Duluth, MN.

Arrangements entrusted to Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home of Anoka (763) 421-0220