D.J. and Mary Clare Freeman were married for over 70 years, the epitome of life partners. Here at the Community Foundation, we were fortunate enough to have them both as passionate philanthropical partners since the Foundation’s earliest days with Mary Clare being part of our board of directors.
By: Jenna Weix
Director of Marketing
24 June 2021
Honoring the Memory of Longtime Partners
D.J. and Mary Clare Freeman were married for over 70 years, the epitome of life partners. Here at the Community Foundation, we were fortunate enough to have them both as passionate philanthropical partners since the Foundation’s earliest days with Mary Clare being part of our board of directors. Donors, award recipients, and Legacy Society members, the Freemans are part of the very fabric of the Community Foundation.
“Our parents believed in the importance of being givers in the community financially, but also in connecting people to support their ideas,” said the Freeman children. “Sadly, we lost both D.J. and Mary Clare in 2020, exactly five months apart. Being unable to have the Irish wake they would have enjoyed, we thought of suggesting memorial gifts to the D.J. & Mary Clare Freeman Donor Advised Fund to continue their passion for the Foundation and the community.” The D.J. & Mary Clare Freeman Fund provides an opportunity to continue their passion in the community.
The Freemans were the impetus of Wausau’s 400 Block, bringing a vision for the city’s gathering spot, and, in 2017, the couple received the Community Foundation’s Spirit of Philanthropy Award. During their varied travels, they found that communities and connections are what make people healthy. They were role models teaching us that ‘You can’t do it alone. We build it together .’
Here at the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, we could not agree more, and we will undoubtedly miss D.J. and Mary Clare’s selfless dedication to our area.
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We are proud to share with you our 2020 annual report. The year 2020 caused the Community Foundation to bond closer to our nonprofits, donors, and community partners, with a focus on a better tomorrow for our area. As a result, we feel more connected to our community and remain determined to make a difference. Read D.J. & Mary Clare Freeman’s story and many other inspiring stories in the 2020 annual report here.
Read the full report →
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