Dennis Freeman

1944 - 2015

Dennis Stanley Freeman

September 25th, 1944

August 07, 2015

Dennis Freeman lived a full and wonderful life. His motto was "Live 'Til You Die," and that's exactly what he did. On August 7th, he was returning from a three-week Alaskan vacation with his wife, Carol, celebrating their 51st anniversary. In the airport in Salt Lake City, his large generous heart stopped beating - and our world and Heaven will never be the same.

Dennis was born September 25th, 1944 to Stan and Anne Freeman in San Jose, Calif. He grew up in Smith Valley with his older brothers Bill, Ron and younger brother Tom. They moved to Reno, where he lived for the next 57 years. He went to Reno High School, played football, and at a Husky Haven dance met the love of his life, Carol. They graduated in 1962. Dennis went on to play football and wrestle at San Jose City College.

In 1964, Dennis moved back to Reno, married Carol and they purchased their first and only home. Starting out, he worked several jobs including flower shop delivery boy, hauling hay, a mechanic, and driving trucks. He hauled anything and everything across the country, including memorable trips to the Nevada Nuclear Test Site. He found his perfect job working for Reno Disposal and the extraordinary Caramella family. They treated him like he was one of their own. He started out as a diesel mechanic and retired 33 years later as Operations Manager. Dennis had such a strong work ethic that even after retirement, he chose to work for Truck Parts doing what he loved, driving Peterbilt trucks.

Dennis and Carol had three wonderful daughters, Laurie, Kathy and Crissy. He was an enthusiastic supporter of his daughters' activities and attended almost every event. He worked hard to provide all they needed, and so he could play just as hard. Freeman family vacations were legendary, and Dad loved to spoil his girls. He played right along with them at the ocean, made sure to be at the amusement parks from open 'til close, took them camping, crabbing, cruising and on many other memorable adventures. He and Carol shared even grander trips, riding the short rails of the west, anniversary trips up the coast and cruising the world. He loved planning every detail so he could surprise and delight Carol and make sure they enjoyed the best.

From an early age, fishing was his passion. He and Carol traveled far and wide, spending countless hours in a boat in numerous places including Alaska, British Columbia, Costa Rica, Oregon, and California where he was well known on the Sacramento River. Fishing with Dennis was a rite of passage in our family - a memorable experience. Those privileged few who have shared a boat with him, knew he was in his element, especially when you celebrated a catch, "Fish on, fish in… Schnapps out, Schnapps in."

Dennis was a lifelong 49ers fan - regardless of their ups and downs. His Super Bowl parties were always 49er themed, even when they didn't make the big game. His bagna cauda was the highlight of the party.

Dennis was extremely involved in the Reno Rodeo for more than 30 years. He got his start when he and his brother, Tom participated in the steer decorating contest. He helped build the rodeo arena, chaired multiple committees, served on the Executive Board and was an active director for over two decades. In 2006 he was awarded the Silver Spurs, the Reno Rodeo's highest honor. Most important to him were the many friendships he made there.

Dennis was a strong supporter of his community. He participated in a number of organizations that reflected his passions. He was a member of the Reno Rodeo Association, ROCC (Royal Order of Can Carriers), AGC, Cal-Ore Fish, Reno High Reunion Committee, Reno Elks, California Indians (trap shooting), Ducks Unlimited, the NRA, and Horizon Christian Church.

For those of you who shared a scotch, a story, a boat, or even a barstool with him, you were considered one of the lucky ones. But, if you happened to be on the other end of his teasing or had one of his priceless nicknames, you were even luckier. He might not have ever said it directly, but he treasured every one of you.

The circle of Dennis' supporters grew even bigger within the last year as he recovered from West Nile Virus. He amazed us all with his determination to battle this devastating disease.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol (Sanderson), his children, Laurie Reitz (Jim), Kathy Patterson (Sean), Crissy Lessard (Paul) and grandchildren, Abby, Adam, Megan, Brendan, and Ryan, Brothers, Bill (Cathleen) & Ron (Barbara) Freeman. Pre-deceased by his parents Stan and Anne Freeman and brother Tom Freeman.

A celebration of Dennis' life will be held on Saturday, August 22nd at 1:00pm at Horizon Christian Church 2025 E. Prater Way Sparks, Nev. Reception to immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to His Way Children's Home, 1995 E. Prater Way, Sparks, NV 89434 or the Dennis Freeman Scholarship Fund, Mail to Reno High School/Dennis Freeman Scholarship Fund, 395 Booth St., Reno, NV 89509.