Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Donald Freed Obituary
Donald Earl Freed, Jr.
May 26, 1935 - May 18, 2008
Donald "Donnie" Freed passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 18, surrounded by his family and beloved dog Gretchen. Don was born prematurely in Kloten, North Dakota but made Stockton his home for 65 years. As a teenager, he worked alongside his Dad building boats for Stevens Marine. He met his bride, Joyce, while in college and they married on Valentine's Day in 1960. Shortly after, he developed a passion for law enforcement and joined the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department. He loved his job and excelled there, eventually becoming a Commander prior to his retirement in 1993 after 35 years of dedicated service. One of the highlights of the job for him was the opportunity to become "Deputy Don", where he visited elementary schools throughout the community, delighting kids with his funny and educational program, while teaching them about law enforcement and being good citizens.
Don loved sports and was a familiar figure on the softball fields of Stockton, long after he should have stopped playing!. He coached teams for the Sheriff's Department and also played in the Mexican-American league where became an "Honorary Mexican". Don was also the original coach and driving force behind the annual "Bacon Bash" friendly football competition between the Sheriff's Department and the Stockton Police Department. In addition, he was an avid fan of the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland A's. He enjoyed taking yearly trips with Joyce to Hawaii to watch the Pro Bowl. Among his other passions were anything John Wayne, studying World War I and II history and showing off his 1939 Chevy Coupe.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Sr. and Lillian Freed, as well as his cherished daughter Kelly, who is now in charge once again and no doubt showing him the way. Left behind with our joyous memories are his wife of 48 years, Joyce; his son Phillip; daughter Kristy and her husband Terry; son-in-law Jerry; sister Gerry and brother Richard and their families, as well as his much loved cousins, nieces, and nephews. Finally, "papa" leaves his beloved grandson Gabriel, whom he will undoubtedly continue to watch over from afar.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Don's life and share great memories on Thursday, May 22nd at 11:00 a.m. at Cherokee Memorial Park Chapel of Flowers, Highway 99 at Harney Lane. Visitation will be held on Wednesday May 21st from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi CA. Immediately following Thursday's service, all are invited to a reception at Valley Brewing Company, 157 West Adams Street, Stockton, CA.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Don's memory to the angels at Hospice of San Joaquin.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Pam DuBois (Higgins)
June 11, 2008
What fond memories we have of Donnie and his sense of humor. He was a rock when Kelli was so unexpectedly taken from their family. Our prayers go out for Joyce and his family.
Margaret Migliori
May 27, 2008
Joyce,
Deepest sympathy to you and your family. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Sorry I missed the memorial service.
Gene now has his fishing buddy with him.
JERRY DREW
May 25, 2008
JOYCE, DONNIE AND YOU HAVE BEEN GREAT FRINEDS OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE WONDERFUL MEMORIES. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND FAMILY. WE ALL WILL MISS HIM.
John Connally
May 24, 2008
The world would be a better place if there were more people like "Deputy Don" ! He will be missed.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Junel Shaw-Hill
May 23, 2008
Dear Family:
Donnie was a special person to my late husband, Sgt. Johnnie Shaw, and I'm sure he was happy to see him. Myself, as well as my present husband, John Hill, who also knew Donnie from working with the S.O. maintenance crew, send our deepest sympathies, and heartfelt sorrow. May God bless you and ease your sorrow. Sincerely
June Shaw-Hill and John Hill.
linda and walter wells
May 22, 2008
dear joyce and family so sorry to hear about don we had some great times together you are always in my thoughts much love linda and walter wells
roz poggio
May 22, 2008
Well, I remember all of us shaking dice at Santiago's, the morning of the Bacon Bash blender party at Don's moms, the car shows, your Christmas morning parties and all the other wild and fun times we had and then finally Valley Brew..wow, ya just dont forget times like those huh..I suppose my Jerry and Donald are still shaking dice and talkin cars..well, God Bless their souls and God Bless you and yours Joyce..love ya!
Edith (Morton) LaStella
May 22, 2008
Dear Joyce and family: My thoughts are with you and your family. I think of you and "Dad" often and our times at Santiago's and Monterey. What laughs we had. Don was always there for me to talk to and offered good advice, along with his silly jokes. He and Kelly are watching over all of you.
Jerry Ball
May 22, 2008
I am the recipient of Don's '39 Chevrolet Coupe. His coupe and I will be at his memorial to pay our respects.
LORETTA SMITH
May 22, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Doug Hauser
May 22, 2008
Joyce, Our Deepest Sympathy to you and family. Don was a good friend. I worked with him at the Sheriff's Office enjoyed his scence of humor. Enjoyed the trip to Mexico had to fix the Van. With a axel bearing and a Beer can shim! Outside of Crows Landing, CA. The repair worked all the way to Mexico and back. And we laughed about it. Good memories.
Terri Chavez
May 22, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ken Capitanich
May 21, 2008
Kristy and Phillip. May your memories be as full as mine are of my father. Two old friends, who made the world better because they were here.
Lester Novaresi and family
May 21, 2008
Joyce, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
richard migliori
May 21, 2008
My deepest sympthay to the Freed Family.
Richard and Yvonne Migliori
Diana Rogers (Underwood)
May 21, 2008
Dearest Joyce, Phillip, & Kristi: The world has lost a wonderful man. My memories of Donnie are great!!! He was a great father, husband, and role model. I learned a lot from him when Kelly and I would hang out at your house, then as we grew older the "be careful" lectures we would get before going out. God Bless you and be with you at this time of loss.
Larry Mills
May 21, 2008
Dear Joyce and Family,
Don was a friend and good Detective Sergeant for the S/O when we met. He loved the deputies, the community he served, and life itself. Thanks Donnie for the great fishing trips to the Delta - we appreciated them! He'll be missed...
Francene Commons
May 21, 2008
Dear Joyce and Family
How can I ever express my greatfulness for the friendship we shared. Time may pass but the memories are always with us. May you find comfort in knowing what a wonderful legacy Don leaves. He will be missed by many but continue to live on in the hearts of many. May GOD bless you all at this time.
Dan Schueler
May 21, 2008
Very sorry to hear of Don's passing. When I was in the Sheriff's Dept in the 70's I remember him as good and fair person and a very dedicated cop... My deepest condolences....Dan
Deby Caporusso (Carmen's)
May 21, 2008
Dearest Joyce & Family:
It was truly a pleasure to know Don Freed through your long-ago neighbors, The Bickfords'. We had many fun times there and at Santiagos in the later years. I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that so many from our community care.
Lois Sbragia
May 21, 2008
Dear Joyce, Kristy & Phillip
Ol' Blue Eyes with the beautiful smile & twinkle in his eyes lived his life "My Way." He will be missed by so many who loved & cared for him dearly.
Prayers & Hugs, "Cuz" Lois
Terry Eproson
May 21, 2008
Sorry to hear that Don has passed. What a nice guy. Great to work with and great to work for. He leaves many, many friends.
Lee Ann Greenwell
May 21, 2008
My Beloved Godfather, Uncle and Friend, I will miss him terribly, but so thankful that his suffering is over. Aunt Joyce, Kristy and Phil, I love you all so much, and can't ever express how much I grieve for your loss as well as my own. Our comfort comes in knowing that he is finally at peace and with our loved ones that have passed before, that he has missed so much!
Gerald Hardig
May 21, 2008
My heart goes out to the Freed family whom I've known since we were kids. Don was a great sportsman, cop, and most of all a great human being. 10-8 old friend.
Mary Mead
May 21, 2008
My prayers to Family
My husband, Al Mead and I meet Don when he worked with Max Benetiz as a Community Releation Officer in East Stockton.
A OFFICER that was greatly RESPECTED, by the community.
Ann Capuccini-Storm
May 21, 2008
Kristi and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Stephen Bohnak
May 21, 2008
Joyce, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Donnie was one of a kind; a good cop, friend and supervisor. I have wonderful memories of Don at the Sheriff's Office.
Irene Sievers-Windham
May 21, 2008
Dear Joyce and family. My thoughts are with you. Don was a wonderful man as well as a good friend, he will be missed by all of us. You are in my heart.
Wayne Gietzen
May 21, 2008
Good By My old Friend. May the Peace of God be with you.
Dennis Hensley
May 21, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home & Funeral Home
May 20, 2008
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
14165 Beckman Road P.O. Box 1000, Lodi, CA 95240
Make a Donation
in Donald Freed's name
How to support Donald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Donald Freed's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
