In loving memory of

Michael W. Freeman
December 29, 2012

Michael W. "Mick" Freeman, age 61, of 2124 E. 1850th St., Quincy, died Saturday, December 29, 2012, at 2:56 pm in Blessing Hospital.

Michael was born June 13, 1951 in Plymouth, England, the son of David and Marise Knowles Freeman. He married Mary Ann Dittmer on November 10, 1973 in London, England. She survives.

As a young man of 11, Mick sang solo at Trafalgar Square with Salesien College. He was a freelance accountant in London. He moved to Bristol where he worked in the bar at the Arnolfini Art Gallery. He then managed and bought "The Old Castle Green" Pub until 1982. Mick made it a popular music venue in Bristol. The next pub he ran was "The Bell" which also became a popular music spot. He also worked at the BBC in Bristol where he interviewed "Dr. John" and various other artists. Mick came to the U.S. in 1986. He worked in sales and then at Quincy University where he operated WQUB radio, putting to use his immense knowledge in music. In 1988 he joined Griffo Products and was marketing manager and public relations spokesman. He introduced the product to over 200 media outlets. At WQUB he was very successful in fund raising to keep the station on the air. Mick was on the cutting edge working with Broadcast Electronics with their digital equipment. He worked closely with Fr. Harry Speckman, Fr. James Toal, Jim Lenz and Chris Myers. In 1994 he introduced Quincy to the music of Maggie Boyle and Steve Tilston.  In 2010, he left WQUB for health reasons and the station closed.

Mick was active with the Association of National Public Radio Broadcasters and participated in several conferences. An English citizen, he proudly considered himself an American. He also enjoyed brewing his home beer and was a New Orleans Saints fan.

Survivors include in addition to his wife are 2 sisters, Rosemary McGuinness of Brighton, England and Julia (Eric) Page of London, England; 3 nieces and 3 nephews; 2 great nieces and 2 great nephews, all of England; 3 American nephews, Joshua, Adam and Jacob Dittmer; and his 3 cats, Nipper, Minette and Leo. Michael was preceded in death by his parents and his aunt, Wynn.

Services: 11:00 am Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with John Griffard officiating.

Visitation: 10:00 am - 11:00 am, Wednesday January 2, 2013 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home

Memorials: Illinois Single Payer Coalition or Health Care for America Now (HCAN)

www.hansenspear.com

Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.

 
Read in Mick's own words about the music scene in Bristol during the late 70's

http://www.bristolarchiverecords.com/people/people_Mick_Freeman.html
 

Tributes

Jeremy Saunders wrote on Jan 12, 2016:

"David Bowie died today. Brought memories flooding back: times long passed, late nights in Battersea and Norwood. Searching the Internet for news of you (you gave us your copies of Ziggy Stardust and Hunky Doory) I learned of your death. Mary Ann (hope you get to read this), so sad that Mick is no longer with us but he, and you, will always be in our memories, especially our wedding days, yours, when I was an usher, and especially ours, when Mick was my best man and that summer down in Dorset at the archaeological dig at Pilsdon Pen. Jeremy"

Marta Holt wrote on Jan 9, 2013:

"So sorry for your loss Mary Ann, will always remember the good times we all had together. xxxxx"

Michele Wortelhoek wrote on Jan 8, 2013:

"Bye Mick, you won't be forgotten"

Ed & Joyce Reckers wrote on Jan 8, 2013:

"Mary Ann, Was sorry to hear of Mick's passing. Thought of the both of you, even though we do not go by anymore. We moved to Quincy over 2 years ago now. Always enjoyed talking with Mick and was glad to have been able to work with Mick. May the memories you've kept tucked away in your heart wrap you up in comfort and bring you special peace"

My condolences to Mary Ann, Mick's sisters and fam wrote on Jan 6, 2013:

"Brother Ralph Parthie, OFM"

Rosemary McGuinness wrote on Jan 4, 2013:

"Mick love you so much cant believe you are not here to give your words of wisdom your memory will live forever in our hearts, and my love for you be there always XXXX"

Ann Miller Titus wrote on Jan 1, 2013:

"I am so grateful for the many years of wonderful music at WQUB. Thank you, Mick. You made a difference."

Sara Ramsey wrote on Dec 31, 2012:

"Thoughts and prayers for the friends and family of Mick Freeman."

brenda gooding ohnemus wrote on Dec 30, 2012:

"Mary Ann sorry for your loss we will pray for you at this hard time. I don't know if you remember me or not but I was Brenda Gooding again we will pray for you"

Dominic Margaglione wrote on Dec 30, 2012:

"Dear Mick, I have nothing but wonderful memories of working, laughing, and sharing our passion for opera with one another. May Pavarotti and Callas greet you at the gates with a song of welcome. The thought of you will always bring a smile to my face and a thankful appreciation for having had the great privilege of knowing you. Peace, Dominic"

Randy & Arlis DeJaynes wrote on Dec 30, 2012:

"Mary Ann: You are in our thoughts and prayers. God's ways are not our ways, but His are always right and true. May He comfort you with His grace, mercy, and peace!"

Julia Page wrote on Dec 30, 2012:

"Mick you were the best brother any one could have even though you were so far away from us you were still always there,miss you so much and love you forever xxxxxxxxx"