Eugene “Gene” Freimanis

Eugene Gene Freimanis passed away at home on December 12, 2015 in West Fargo, ND. He was under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley, after a long battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia cancer. He was born July 24, 1936 in Liepaja, Latvia to George and Olga Freiman. On Labor Day 1949, he and his parents entered the United States through Baltimore, MD. Gene graduated from the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in 1956. He then enlisted in the US Army for three years, two of which were served as an interpreter in West Germany. After being discharged from the Army, he attended the University of Baltimore, graduating in 1966. He worked in the Baltimore/Washington DC metro area as a commercial construction estimator and project manager.

Gene married Nancy Payne on July 22, 1961. They lived in Columbia, MD, with their three children Kimberly, Stephen, and Jeffrey. After 43 years of marriage, Nancy passed away on December 15, 1994 from ALS Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
While living in Maryland, Kimberly introduced her dad to Catherine Kate Flynn in 1998. They moved to Fargo, ND in 2002 and married on October 3, 2003.

Gene is survived by his wife, three children, two stepsons, along with their families. Children: Kimberly Richard McDougal, Zachary and Jacob, Clarksburg, MD; Stephen Jennifer Freimanis, Hans, Sophia, and Amelia, Overland Park, KS; Jeffrey Justine Freimanis, Luke and Caroline, Frederick, MD. Two stepsons: Charles Amanda Ricketts, Harrison, Peoria, AZ; Nicholas Valentina Ricketts, Lucas, Wesley Chapel, FL. He was a very special PaPa to Lily and Rowan Hammer, Fargo, ND.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Nancy, sister Anita Freimanis Nichols, and an infant daughter, Jennifer.
Gene lived life on his own terms and left very explicit last wishes. Rather than a service, Gene asked that his wife, children, step children, and all grandchildren have a party at the beach in his honor, where his ashes will be spread in the Atlantic Ocean.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Red River Valley, Lend a Hand, or charity of your choice.

The family will host an informal gathering Saturday, December 19, 2015 from 10:00-11:30 am, at the Holiday Inn, 3803 13th Ave S, Fargo, ND.