Nancy Carolyn (Hanson) Freeman

Nancy Carolyn Freeman (Hanson) of Minneapolis and Howard Lake, MN passed away on Friday, September 10th at the age of 78. She was born on December 6th, 1942 in Crookston, MN where she grew up on the Hanson farm. Nancy passed away peacefully from complications of Parkinson’s disease.

Nancy graduated from Moorhead State University in 1964. In 1974, Nancy married the love of her life, Orville Freeman and spent thirteen years in Minneapolis before moving to a lakeside Victorian home in Howard Lake, MN. Over the next 25 years, Nancy and Orville continued to pour their heart and soul into that home, while making it the focus of gatherings for family and friends.

Nancy’s career was spent predominantly in affordable housing, mostly at HUD in Minneapolis and ending with consulting/training with ICF. Her training endeavors took her throughout the country including a long-term stint in Puerto Rico.

She was actively involved at Bethlehem Lutheran church in Minneapolis until moving to Howard Lake in 1987, where in Howard Lake, Nancy was active at St. John’s Lutheran church. Nancy loved to cook and entertain, and was happiest when surrounded by family and friends.

Nancy is preceded in death by her husband, Orville Freeman and parents Oscar and Beatrice Hanson.

She is survived by her sons, Greg and Nathan Marsten; and stepchildren, Brian Freeman, Jeri Freeman, Phil Freeman and Mary Duffey (Freeman). Nancy was also blessed by her many grandchildren, Celeste Johnson, Lindsey Freeman, Jill Freeman Beeten, Shauna Freeman, Courtney Caddeo, Joshua Freeman, Tabitha Freeman, Camille Marsten, Oscar and Greta Marsten. She was also fortunate to have Isabella Johnson, Violet and Connor Beeten and Brady Freeman as her great-grandchildren. She loved them all to pieces~ Nancy is also survived by her sister, Jean Olson.

Nancy’s zest for life and social gifts left her with many great memories and friendships. Nancy had a rich life filled with love and laughter.

The family would like to thank Jones Harrison Senior Living for the continued care and compassion they showed her over her six years of residence. Our family will forever be thankful and indebted to Jones Harrison.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at Hyland Lake Park Reserve – Sunnyside picnic pavilion at 10145 Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438, on Sunday, 9/26 at noon. Visitation with the family will begin at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her honor to Jones Harrison Senior Living.