Paul R Freed

Paul R. Freed, 73, of Atwater, died Monday, October 20th at Cura of Willmar. His visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm, Saturday, October 25th at Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar. Burial will be at a later date at Svea Lutheran Cemetery. www.hafh.org 

Paul Richard Freed was born on August 13, 1952, in Willmar, Minnesota, to Willard and Ruth (Hansen) Freed. He attended elementary school in Blomkest and graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1970. Paul went on to continue his education at Willmar Technical College.

After completing his studies, Paul moved to the Twin Cities area, where he began his career with Champion Auto Stores also meeting his future wife at KFC next door. Over the years, he made his home in New Hope, Robbinsdale, Elk River, Big Lake, and Clearwater before settling on his farm near Atwater in 1990.

On October 8, 1976, Paul was united in marriage to Nancy Hamel in Minneapolis. Together they raised two daughters, Jennifer and Stephanie. Life on the farm brought Paul great joy—he loved caring for his cattle and tending his crops.

In addition to farming, Paul built a successful career at Northern Radiator in Willmar, where he served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Outside of work, Paul’s passions included farming, drag racing, and traveling with his family. Some of their most cherished trips were to Disney World, Key West, Yellowstone, the Black Hills, and the Minnesota State Fair. He especially loved driving and taking in the sights along the way.

Paul will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend.

Paul is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters: Jennifer Zyirek of Svea and Stephanie (Ted) Baas of Sartell; grandchildren: Angelica Johnson and Penelope, Clementine, Magnus and Scout Baas. He is also survived by his siblings: Linda (Allan) Bjornberg, John (Marie) Freed, Mark (special friend, Terry) Freed, and Lois Freed, and best friend Charles McKaige, as well as many nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Willard (Ruth) Freed, and brother Joel Freed, and in-laws James (Mary) Hamel.

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