Orville L. Freeman

Freeman Orville L, age 84. Died February 20, 2003 in Minneapolis Minnesota. University of Minnesota graduate, decorated Marine Corp veteran of WWII, DFL State party Secretary and Chair, Governor of Minnesota 1955-1961, US Secretary of Agriculture for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, 1961-1969. President and CEO of Business International 1970-1985. Visiting Scholar Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. Orville was a dedicated liberal who believed government could make positive contributions to people's lives and that government programs are an investment in Minnesota's future.He championed the Food for Peace and Food Stamp programs to help feed hungry people throughout the world and bring needed income to America's farmers. As a businessman he encouraged businesses to assist developing countries to accelerate economic growth . Freeman is survived by Jane Shields Freeman, his loving wife of 61 years of marriage; a daughter Constance, of Nairobi, Kenya; son Mike, daughter-in-law Terry and three grandchildren. Katie and Beth are sophomores at Carleton College and Matthew is a senior at Richfield High School. Memorial Service, State Capitol, Thursday 5 to 7 (program at 5:15). Private, family only interment. Celebration of Life Service, Mt. Olivet Church, 50th and Knox Ave So, Minneapolis 11 am Friday, lunch at noon. The family, in lieu of flowers, invites contributions to the Orville and Jane Freeman Center of the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota 301 19th Ave So Minneapolis, Mn 55455 or to the Walker Health Center Foundation for Alzheimer's program, 3737 Bryant Ave So Minneapolis. Washburn-McReavy 952-920-3996

Published on February 23, 2003