Although I know Grandpa Freedo is happy to be reunited with his beloved wife, our family is saddened by his loss. Grandpa lived a good life, to the ripe young age of 85.
Just a bit of info about Gramps...
His family did not have a lot while he was growing up, and he was taught to work hard, and took jobs with other people for spending money. He would cut wood, milk cows, haul hay, and "buck" potatoes (load and unload 65 to 75 lb. bags of potatoes on and off the truck into the pit.) He worked hard, and passed that trait down to his own kids and grand kids.
Grandpa was a man full of faith and integrity. He told of a time when he was 11 years old, he decided that he did not need to go to church. One Sunday, him and some buddies skipped church and headed up the canyon. They found an old rifle and were messing around with it. His friend told him to "stick 'em up" Grandpa didn't, and his friend pulled the trigger and the gun went off. The bullet glazed him across the chest. HE HAD BEEN SHOT!! He rode home behind his friend on his horse, and they were scared to death. When grandpa got home, his mom put iodine on it when she saw that it wasn't to serious. He said that the iodine hurt a lot worse than the wound! Later, she told grandpa "Son, if you had been in church this wouldn't have happened!" He always remembered that, and always made sure he was in church where he belonged.
Grandpa loved deer hunting, and that was always the highlight of the year. As a young man, he also loved Boxing and Rodeo. He would hitch a ride down to Hurricane to the ride in the rodeo. He rode bare back horses and bulls and then he would fight in the ring at night. After High School, he joined the Navy and fought in World War II. During that time he met Grandma Lou. He was home on leave. After a long engagement, they married and were blessed with 5 boys, and 1 foster daughter.
I remember Grandpa in overalls, and dirty boots. It didn't matter what time of day it was, if there were chores that needed to be done, he was up and willing to do them. He loved to farm!! I remember fun times at the cabin on Beaver Mtn. I also remember him driving the Steve Regan truck, and although I was never allowed to go on a trip with him, I always heard the stories from my brothers. Grandpa was our biggest fan. He was always in the crowd cheering at the basketball games and wrestling matches. He loved to watch his grand kids shine, and was proud "win or lose." He loved his family, and loved having everyone around, especially at Christmas. Christmas Eve was always spent with Grandpa & Grandma, and he always made it a special night.
The funeral was just how Grandpa would have wanted it to be. It was filled with beautiful music, and wonderful speakers. After the service, Grandpa took one last buggy ride past his farm. Followed by the Graveside Service and Military Rites. It was a beautiful day.
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