Leonard Freed

Leonard Freed, 88, Fargo, ND died Saturday, October 6th, 2007, in Bethany Homes. Leonard was born May 12, 1919, in Melby, MN, to Oscar and Matilda “Tillie” Freed. Leonard was raised and went to school in Pinewood, MN, and later moved to Ulen, MN. He attended Dunwoody Industrial School in 1939 in Minneapolis and learned the trade of woodworking. Leonard proudly served his country for four years during WWII. After the war he married Gladys Hendrickson on June 24, 1946. They lived in Vancouver, WA, Cut Bank, MT, Mahnomen, MN and Hawley, MN, and West Fargo, Horace, and Fargo, ND. Leonard worked for several contractors in the Fargo-Moorhead area and later worked in a cabinet shop at NDSU. After retirement from NDSU in 1984, he worked in his own shop until 2005. Upon retirement he graciously and lovingly gave his tools of the trade to two of his grandsons who are now contractors. Leonard had a great talent for woodworking, and many friends and relatives are blessed to have his work in their homes. Among his greatest gifts are kitchen cabinets in Oklahoma, Minnesota, and North Dakota and grandfather clocks for grandchildren scattered throughout the U.S. Over the years, Leonard and Gladys traveled to all 50 states. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and gardening. Leonard is survived by his four sons, Rodney (Jennifer), Shawnee, OK; Douglas (Peggy), Hinckley, MN; Barry (Jill), Fargo, ND; Randy (Debbie), Hawley, MN; two sisters, Mae Forsythe, Ulen, MN; Berniece Petterson, Cottonwood, AZ; 14 grandchildren, Jason, Joshua, Jessica, Steve, Scott, Sean, Lindsay, Jennifer, Karie, Kristin, Kimberly, Tyler, Tara and Tracy; 15 great grandchildren, and special friend and companion, Rubye Olson, Fargo, ND. Leonard was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys; grandson, Travis; parents Oscar and Matilda, and siblings Mabel Coffey, Clarence Freed, Lillian Abraham, Laverne “Frenchy” Freed and William Freed. Funeral to celebrate Leonard’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 10th, 2007 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND. Visitation: 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, October 9th, 2007 at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home Prayer Service: 6 p.m. Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.