June 10, 2015
In Memoriam: Charles Freeman
News
It is with much sadness that we inform you of the passing of our former partner, colleague and good friend, Charles "Chuck" Freeman. Chuck passed away yesterday morning, June 10, from an apparent heart attack.
Chuck joined Gardner, Carton & Douglas as a partner on November 1, 1983. In the course of his distinguished 28 year career with the firm, Chuck established a sterling reputation for his experience in all aspects of labor and employment law. Chuck was a recognized authority in the area of collective bargaining and labor relations, where he represented a wide range of corporations and nonprofit entities engaged in manufacturing, health care and higher education. Chuck served as Chair of GCD’s Labor and Employment Practice for many years, and was a much admired and highly respected mentor to many lawyers who followed in his footsteps, including a number of our current partners in the Labor and Employment Practice. Prior to joining GCD, Chuck was the managing partner for the Chicago office of Elliot, Kaiser & Freeman, a Kansas City-based firm that specialized in labor and employment matters. Chuck also served as assistant vice president for legal affairs/labor at Rush Presbyterian – St. Lukes Medical Center. He received his B.S. in management from the University of Illinois in 1959, and his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law in 1963.
Chuck also exhibited a strong commitment to community service. He served as a dedicated steward of the Chicago Zoological Society, the Lake Forest College and the Lake Forest Academy for many years.
Chuck was not only an excellent lawyer and wise teacher, he was always great company with his delightful and engaging sense of humor and well-grounded perspectives. Through his sage counsel, practical advice, wit and charm, Chuck developed many very meaningful personal relationships over the years with his colleagues and his clients.
A visitation will be held from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm on Monday, June 15 at Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, 120 W. Park Ave (Rt. 176, one block west of Milwaukee Ave) in Libertyville. For more information, call 847-362-3009.
Our deepest condolences go out to Chuck’s wife Penny, his daughter Stephanie and his son Craig, and his three grandchildren.
Chuck joined Gardner, Carton & Douglas as a partner on November 1, 1983. In the course of his distinguished 28 year career with the firm, Chuck established a sterling reputation for his experience in all aspects of labor and employment law. Chuck was a recognized authority in the area of collective bargaining and labor relations, where he represented a wide range of corporations and nonprofit entities engaged in manufacturing, health care and higher education. Chuck served as Chair of GCD’s Labor and Employment Practice for many years, and was a much admired and highly respected mentor to many lawyers who followed in his footsteps, including a number of our current partners in the Labor and Employment Practice. Prior to joining GCD, Chuck was the managing partner for the Chicago office of Elliot, Kaiser & Freeman, a Kansas City-based firm that specialized in labor and employment matters. Chuck also served as assistant vice president for legal affairs/labor at Rush Presbyterian – St. Lukes Medical Center. He received his B.S. in management from the University of Illinois in 1959, and his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law in 1963.
Chuck also exhibited a strong commitment to community service. He served as a dedicated steward of the Chicago Zoological Society, the Lake Forest College and the Lake Forest Academy for many years.
Chuck was not only an excellent lawyer and wise teacher, he was always great company with his delightful and engaging sense of humor and well-grounded perspectives. Through his sage counsel, practical advice, wit and charm, Chuck developed many very meaningful personal relationships over the years with his colleagues and his clients.
A visitation will be held from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm on Monday, June 15 at Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, 120 W. Park Ave (Rt. 176, one block west of Milwaukee Ave) in Libertyville. For more information, call 847-362-3009.
Our deepest condolences go out to Chuck’s wife Penny, his daughter Stephanie and his son Craig, and his three grandchildren.