Francis Grady Freeman Jr.

I didn´t get to know Franc until maybe 2010. I saw that he sold hostas, and I was a flower grow as well. I wrestled for an East Moline and we beat his team from Bettendorf back in the day. He said he remembered I saw that he sold hostas, and I was a flower grow as well. I wrestled for a East Moline and we beat his team from Bettendorf back in the day. He said he remembered me and my twin brother. I would go there, buy some plants and him, and I would have a beer and talk about wrestling. For...

I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT A WONDERFUL NICE GUY FRANK WAS. SUCH A SAD LOST.

I first met Franc in 1971 when he was coaching Bettendorf High School and I wrestled for his coach, Jim Fox at Dav. Central. Fast forward - my sons Alex, Anthony and Andrew wrestled for Bettendorf between 1998 - 2003. Franc had retired from coaching but still was a teacher at Bettendorf and still went to the wrestling meets and would give my sons advice after their matches. Our family got to know Franc and Sally well and they would attend many of our family events such as weddings and...

I have great respect for this man. I have never forgotten him since I had him as my teacher in the 80s. Although he was a coach he never favored his wrestlers in the classroom. He treated us all the same. It was academics FIRST when in the classroom. He expected us to do our best there! If we got everything accomplished for the day in the learning aspect then he might talk sports. He always expected his athletes to conduct themselves appropriately in class as well! I was very impressed...

You are going to be missed by everyone lucky enough to have known you, coach. You will always be a big part of my life.

Coach was such a great man, and did so many extraordinary things in his life, but I swear I never saw him better than when he dressed up and played Santa for Sally's pre-school class that my oldest son was privileged to be part of 15 years ago now. He was truly in his element when he was having an effect on kids! Our hearts go out to Sally and Kim and the entire family! Please take comfort in knowing Franc has a special place waiting in heaven and will always have a special place in countless...

SALLY AND FAMILY, I AM SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS WHAT A WONDERFUL MAN YOU MARRIED, HE WAS LOVED BY EVERYONE WHO NEW HIM. WHAT A EXCITING LIFE HE HAD. HE IS IN GODS HANDS NOW, WHAT A WONDERFUL PLACE TO BE. YOU HAVE ALL MY PRAYER'S SALLY. SHIRLEY KEPPY

Frank Freeman had a profoundly positive impact on my life. With his well-honed mix of humor and empathy he was able to get into my head and motivate me to be the best competitor I could be. Anyone who spent time in his wrestling room will recall the breaks between drills, where he would point to pictures of past Bettendorf champions lining the walls and share the specific challenges faced, the obstacles overcome, the tactics used, the triumphs, failures, choices, wins, losses. He would...