Claire Freuen

Claire Elsie Freuen died at the age of 93 from complications of Alzheimer’s. She was born at home on the same day as her maternal grandmother died. She was the second youngest of seven children born to Francis and Clara Higgins of Tomahawk, Wisconsin.

She graduated from Tomahawk High School in 1950. She played drums and basketball during her high school days. (Including Donkey Basketball)

Claire worked as a housekeeper during high school and in a local parts store after graduating.

She married James Freuen and they moved to Marcola, Oregon in 1951. They lived in Marcola for 1 and half years and Springfield for nine years, then moved to Eugene.

Claire raised her two children while her husband was working out of town for much of their married life. She took all the neighbor kids to work in the strawberry, beans, prunes, filberts, walnuts fields. She was field boss for Cockerline farms. She volunteered with Food for Lane County.

An avid bowler since 1951, Claire went to 25 national tournaments and was inducted into the bowling hall of fame in 2006. She bowled two leagues until at age 89 she dropped to one league per week.

She collected cookbooks, was featured in the Register Guards cooking section and contributed recipes to two cookbooks. Many friends and neighbors enjoyed her baked goods. She also delivered meals to friends who were recuperating from an illness.

At age 80, she kissed the Blarney Stone in Cork Ireland.

She lived independently until age 91 then moved into The Esther for her final years. The staff treated her with respect and kindness until she passed.

She is survived by son Pat (Kim) Freuen and daughter Frances (Allen deceased) Loftis. Also, her grandchildren James Loftis, Joe Freuen, and Margaret Makumbe and great grandchildren Gavin, Jack, Timothy, Iris and Logan.

No service is planned.