Paul Ingve Freeman

Freeman, Paul Ingve "Piffy" Paul Ingve Freeman affectionately known to many as Piffy passed away peacefully on July 15, 2020 at the age of 77. He was surrounded by his family, including his loving wife Mary; daughters Liz, Kate (Ben) and Christina (Chris); and eight exceptional grandchildren Declan, Henry, Cici, Owen, MacCoy, Lily, Millie and Penelope. He is also survived by his big sister Mary (George), his former son-in-law and dear pal Paul Brown, and countless other relatives and friends whom he treasured throughout his life. Paul was born in Minneapolis, MN on May 28, 1943 to parents Yngve and Vina Freeman. He was a strong student and athlete, with a natural inclination for math, football, basketball and baseball. He graduated from South High School and stayed in touch with some of his high school buddies through Monday Morning Coffees over the years. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in both chemistry and physics. Piffy's first job out of college was at IBM but soon after he would start a rewarding 40-year career as an investment advisor for what is now RBC Wealth Management. Many of his clients and colleagues over the years became lifelong friends, and he was known for having a jar of gum drops on his desk, a bowtie on his neck and a pipe in his mouth. In 1971, he married his sweetheart, Mary Stege, whom he enjoyed entertaining, travelling and playing golf with. Together, they welcomed three girls into the world. This "guys guy" played the role of dad to daughters with gusto taking them from dinner dances to fishing trips. He patiently taught them to drive stick shift, ski, and play cribbage, a card game that became a hallmark of their family time together. There were numerous milestones that stood out in his life including earning his pilot's license and saving up to buy his very own single- engine plane, giving life-saving CPR to a man who'd had a heart attack on the golf course (only later to meet for lunch quite often), and when he hand-built a sauna at the cabin from the ground up. Piffy's talents were many. He was known for making a sensational batch of popcorn, mouth-watering Coca-Cola ribs, rice pudding from his mother's recipe and "roll-ups" (a type of crepe that are a favorite of his kids and grandkids alike). He was skilled at making furniture, and following retirement, took classes at the Swedish Institute and became an impressive wood carver. He was loyal, understanding and supportive. He was generous, quick to smile and even quicker to lend a hand before you had to ask for it. Piffy's loves were many as well. He loved fishing, hunting and playing golf. He loved volunteering at Loaves & Fishes and going to Breakfast Club every Wednesday morning. He loved coming together with the Freemans for traditional Swedish dopp i gryta. He loved Eshquaguma, a place that became his home away from home. He loved to laugh and it didn't take much to get him going (Ole and Lena jokes never failed). He loved his friends, tracking his family's lineage and a good Manhattan. Most of all, Piffy loved his grandkids. He loved bringing them donuts every Saturday morning, attending their basketball and soccer games, and listening to them talk about whatever's on their mind. They would describe him as kind, a good friend, funny, warm, strong, smart and tall. The adoration went in both directions. While he leaves a Piffy-sized hole in their hearts, his family is thankful for the sweet memories they share and feel lucky to have called him theirs. A private family service will be held next week and a celebration of life for family and friends will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Loaves & Fishes. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 **DUE TO CURRRENT COVID REGULATIONS, PLEASE RESPECT THAT ALL SERVICES ARE PRIVATE FOR FAMILY ONLY. THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC VISITATION OR SERVICE**

Tributes

Paul Ingve Freeman

May 28, 1943 - July 15, 2020

Tributes

Paul Ingve Freeman

May 28, 1943 - July 15, 2020

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