Revised July 20, 2024
By Barry Brown, resident advocate
Stefan (Stef) and Audrey Freeman lived on Eureka Road across the street from a large wooded lot in Shorewood. The house on that lot had burned down but there was an old faded red barn still standing on the property. Stefan wondered who owned the property and whether or not he could buy it. The open spaces and woodland exteriors reminded him of growing up in the wide-open spaces of North Dakota and hunting with his 4 brothers in Canada and Montana.
The opportunity to purchase the 52.75 acres arose in April 1968 when he was able to purchase the property and pay off back-taxes. Not ever wanting to develop the property, Stefan and Audrey often pitched a tent and enjoyed its beauty. He and his son Lynn used to take hikes through the thick woods and open fields exploring possibilities. They spent time tapping maple trees and made maple syrup for their family and friends. Stefan didn’t buy the land to develop – just to enjoy it as is and explore its many acres.
Years later, after the Metropolitan Sewer Board installed sewers along Eureka Road, the Freeman’s were assessed a tax for the entire 52 acres even though the property was undeveloped and had no need for sewers.
Not wanting to pay the large tax assessment, Stefan and his son Lynn walked over to then Mayor Steve Frazier’s home to negotiate donating the land to the city. At the time Mayor Frazier was interested in preserving green spaces for the future of Shorewood residents and agreed to have the city attorney draw up an agreement.
On May 12th, 1979 the contract for donating the land was approved. The deed transfer and legal agreement states the property would be donated as a park with future ball fields and named Freeman Park in the family’s honor. According to the agreement, the property must forever be used as a park and not be developed for residential or commercial use or the property would be given back to the family.
Freeman Family Background – A descendant of Icelanders, Stefan Freeman grew up in the small town of Upham, North Dakota that was a near a US customs port of entry from Canada. He met his wife Audrey at the University of Minnesota where he received his mechanical engineering degree. They were married in Minneapolis August 29th, 1942. A descendant of Norwegians, Audrey grew up in Wilmar, Minnesota. Audrey was a creative, free spirit always looking for new adventures, fun experiences and a passion to travel. Together they raised 4 children, 2 daughters and 2 sons – Stephanie, Lynn, Nancy and Jon who all still live in Minnesota with the exception of Jon.
Stefan founded The Minnesota Tank & Manufacturing Company in North Minneapolis and produced grain and petroleum holding tanks. During WWII the company provided parts for the war. He sold the company to Kodiak Steel before retiring at the age of 55. After retiring he and Audrey spent time traveling around the United States.
Stefan Freeman (1915 – 2003) Audrey Freeman (1923 – 1993).
