Dean Dalton Freeman

Dean was born August 17, 1946, in San Diego, CA to Frank and Edith (Woempner) Freeman. He was raised in Lemon Grove, CA and graduated from Mount Miguel High School in 1964. After high school, Dean served in the US Navy, being stationed right here in San Diego. He then joined Solidarity Van and Storage, owned and operated by his father, then later taken over by Dean and his brother Philip Freeman. In 1968, Dean married Mary Cordonier of Chula Vista, CA. During their 26 years of marriage, they had two daughters, Amanda Louise Freeman and Deana Marie Freeman. In 1996, Dean married his second wife, Nancy A. Burtwistle. He welcomed Nancy’s children and spouses, Tim and Teresa Schmeits of Wayne, NE, Todd and Jodie Marotz of Sleepy Eye, MN, Bret and Tracy Burtwistle of Stanton, NE, and Brad and Julie Burtwistle of Monument, CO. His life was then blessed with fourteen grandchildren and great grandchildren and his loving dog, Noodles.

Dean was very well known and loved for his stories and jokes. He loved making people laugh and feel good, especially delighting children with his Donald Duck impersonation. His passion for hot rods and motorcycles carried throughout his life, whether it be working on his own cars, long rides, attending car shows, or just talking engines. Later in life, he fulfilled a long time dream of becoming a black belt. He reached the status of master, with a fourth degree black belt in kickboxing. He also loved woodworking, flying and losing drones, watches, hunting and fishing, camping, and enjoying margaritas in his “outdoor office” of his backyard patio, surrounded by his flowers and bonsai trees. His affection for carnivals and fairs led to years of driving a tram at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, Jimmy Freeman and Phil Freeman, and his sister Lorlei. Dean is survived by his loving wife Nancy, his 2 daughters and son in law (Nathan Putman), his four stepchildren, and their families, and Noodles.

Dean’s love of family, music, and laughter will forever be missed.

Services will be held at a later date.