Rodney T. Freeman

Rodney “Rod” T. Freeman, age 72, of Ripon, WI, passed away in his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

Rod was born on November 3, 1953 in Oshkosh, WI, son of Flavil “Bud” and Ruth (Martin) Freeman. He graduated from Markesan High School. On April 8, 1989 he married Peggy Rens at Federated Church in Green Lake, and they shared 37 years together. Rod worked taking care of people’s lawns and snow removal from his early years throughout most of his life. He worked at Badger Mining as a mechanic, and earned the Sandman of the Year Award in 1986. He and Peggy owned The Flower Basket floral shop in Ripon for many years. Rod was a custodian for the Ripon Public Library for a number of years. He was also the custodian of First Congregational Church up until his death.

Rod enjoyed anything and everything to do with raw wood; cutting it, splitting it, and burning it. He enjoyed fireworks, especially setting off bottle rockets. He cherished family vacations; enjoyed watching truck & tractor pulls; and loved watching a good storm. Rod was a history buff and was always eager to learn more. He had the sweetest soul and will be dearly missed.

Rod is survived by his wife, Peggy Freeman of Ripon, WI; daughters, Heather (Kevin) Gustin of Ripon, WI and Nicole (Justin) Kernen of Oshkosh, WI; a son, Andy (Ashley) Freeman of DeForest, WI; granddaughters, Avery and Reese Downs, Kaylee, Brynlee, and Rylee Kernen, and Aria Freeman; sisters, Pat (Dave) Curran, Kathy Freeman, Sharon Freeman, and Tina Freeman; sisters-in-law, Roxanne (Dan) McGurk and Robyn (Mark) Streekstra; a brother-in-law, Ben (Lisa) Rens; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Ruth Freeman; in-laws, Ben and Delores Rens; brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Ruthie Freeman; sister-in-law, Jane Freeman; a nephew, Ryan Dummer; and many beloved pets.

Visitation for Rod will be held from 9:00 until 11:00 am on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at First Congregational Church, 220 Ransom St., Ripon, WI 54971.

Memorial service for Rod will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at First Congregational Church in Ripon, with Rev. Amanda Edwards officiating. A time of fellowship will take place at the church immediately following the service. Memorials in his name may be directed to Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnels to Towers, St. Jude’s, First Congregational Church, a local animal shelter, or Shriners Children’s.

Rod’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the ThedaCare Hospice and Oncology nurses, the Pickett Lions Club, and the entire First Congregational Church staff and members.