Wayne was born in Rush City, Minn., Aug. 1, 1952, he passed away Jan. 31, 2006 after a long battle with cancer at Fairview Lakes Regional Medical Center at the age of 53 surrounded by family and friends.

Wayne was a private man who was easy going and was a friend to all he met. He never failed to help another person when the need was there.

Wayne started working for the Chisago County Highway Department after graduating from high school and seven years later he met his life long companion Dorinda Swanson.

Wayne continued to be employed with the county until he was forced to take a leave of absence because of his illness in 2004. By that time he had worked his way up to head mechanic.

Wayne was very gifted in many ways and could be counted on to figure out a solution to most any construction or mechanical problem. Wayne loved to keep his hands dirty by gardening and working on his old cars. His favorite flowers were petunias. In addition to his love of cars and gardening Wayne would never pass up a good day of fishing.

Wayneís passion was always Fords. Wayne will always be remembered for sitting in the front seat of Old Blue the Ford F150 4x4 he bought new in 1984. Wayneís goal was to get Old Blue to turn over 400,000 miles. Old Blue is currently at 390,776 with the original motor and never been over hauled. Wayneís dream will be realized by his nephew Jake Freedlund who will drive Old Blue until it does turn over the 400,000th mile in loving memory of his uncle Wayne. Wayne was very fond of Old Blue and he, his life long companion and fiancÈe Dorinda Swanson, and their Border Collie Spaniel mixed dog named Twister made many a trip with old Blue between Forest Lake where they resided and Rush City.

In addition to Old Blue Wayne had restored a 1968 Galaxy 500 XL GT and you would occasionally see him driving it on nice summer days.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Myron and Marian Freedlund. He is survived by his loving fiancÈe Dorinda Swanson of Forest Lake, brothers Larry Freedlund of Harris, Lee Freedlund of Harris, Steve and Janet Freedlund of Harris, Jeff and Debbie Freedlund of Cambridge, uncles and aunts Raymond and Fern Larson of Minneapolis, Raynard and Gala Larson of Faribault, Russ and Sandy Larson of Mora, Ronnie and Linda Larson of Harris, nephews Jake Freedlund, Scott Freedlund, Jeremy Freedlund, Joshua Freedlund, and Nathan Freedlund, nieces Tabitha Pearson, Jenna Freedlund; great nephews Jaelen Pearson and Kobe Pearson; great nieces Trinity Garrity, and step-nieces Amy Arrell and Christina Arrell, step-great nephews Steven Arrell, Quinten Billman, Adam Senholtz, and step-great niece Savannah Senholtz.

Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 6, at the Abundant Life Church in North Branch officiated by Rev. Kevin Haseltine. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of the Funeral and Cremation Service ñ Olson Chapel in Rush City. Music was provided by Lindsey Larson. Casket bearers included Wayne Robyn, Bill Foner, Everett Diemert, Mike Unze, Jake Freedlund, Scott Freedlund. Honorary bearers included Alvin and Betty Diemert, Marvin Root, Jeremy Freedlund, Alvin Mach, Robert ìDocî Mach, Joe Kelley, Russell Larson, Raymond Larson, Raynard Larson, Ron Larson and the Chisago County Highway employees.

A special thanks to the staff at Fairview Lakes Regional Medical Center for the support they gave family members and the wonderful care they provided for Wayne during this trying time.

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