Douglas Freeman

Douglas Freeman, 93, of Salem, Oregon died June 15, 2016. Douglas was born in Yoncalla, Oregon, in the home of his parents, Paul Gerald and Maud Jane Freeman on August 7, 1922. Douglas was given the moniker "Jiggs" at birth by his father after the main character in the beloved comic strip, "Bringing Up Father". The nickname lasted a lifetime. Jiggs moved with his family to Portland at a very young age, before coming to Oak Grove, west of Salem, in 1929. He attended Eliat Elementary in Portland, a one room school in Oak Grove and graduated from Independence High School in 1939. Jiggs lived most of his life in the family home in Oak Grove, nearly 77 years.

Jiggs married Thelma Mae Barker on October 28, 1945. They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary together before her death in 2013. Following a honeymoon at the Oregon coast, they lived in Willamina for a short time before moving to the Freeman family farm, where they were a part of the small farming community of Oak Grove. Jiggs and his brother, Gerald, carried on the family farm, Freeman Land and Livestock, for many years, growing grains, hay and cherries. Jiggs and Thelma raised a family of five children, Jency, Dwight, Lynn, Harold and Willetta (Willie), who all have fond memories of growing up on the farm. Jiggs was a member of the Oak Grove Grange for 51 years. He served as Grange Master for twelve years and represented the Oak Grove Grange at statewide conventions. The Grange Hall is the setting for many Freeman Family celebrations, including Thanksgiving dinners for the last 75 years, continuing to this date.
Following their retirement from farming in 1984, Jiggs and Thelma moved to their retirement home overlooking the Willamette Valley. Before his death, Jiggs lived with Thelma in the Gibson Creek Retirement community and at a group home in West Salem following her death. Jiggs worked at WOU (then Western Oregon State College) for several years maintaining the campus landscape and sports fields. Jiggs and Thelma were avid square dancers, belonging to the Wagon Wheelers, Braids and Braves and Salem Square Dance Association for many years. Jiggs and Thelma's square dance friends were cherished partners in many a potluck, mystery dance destination and "Coast Crash".
Jiggs will be remembered with love by his children Jency Rosasco (Rick Mishler), Lynn Freeman, Willie Craig (Dennis), daughter-in law, Valorie Freeman and sister, Betty Lindquist. His grandchildren, great grandchildren and many extended family members and friends will miss Jiggs and the sense of humor and smile that endured as he aged. Grandchildren Chrystal Freeman, Jennifer (Craig) Jerabek, Marnie Rosasco, Paul Freeman, Ashley Ulrey, and great grandchildren Hunter and Brody Freeman, Mason Jerabek, Jacy Turner, and Emily and Hope Ulrey provided much affection during his life. Jiggs was preceded in death by sons, Dwight and Harold, and siblings, Gerald and Harold Freeman, Mary Davis, Grace Herzberg, Willetta Bannister and Barbara (Bobbie) Spencer.
Memorial service will be Friday, June 24, 2016 at 1:30 PM at Restlawn Funeral Home. Celebration following at the Oak Grove Community Grange, 5670 Oak Grove Rd, Rickreall. Donations in Jiggs' memory may be made to the Oak Grove Community Grange c/o 22705 Business 18, Willamina, OR 97396. Condolences may also be directed to 22705 Business 18, Willamina, OR 97396.