MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Former Minnesota first lady Jane Freeman, a founder of the modern Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, has died. She was 96.
Freeman died Friday morning at her apartment in Minneapolis, according to a spokesman for her son, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman.
Along with her husband, Orville Freeman, Jane Freeman helped build the DFL Party after World War II. Orville Freeman served as governor from 1955-1961 and was U.S. agriculture secretary in the John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson administrations.
Former Vice President Walter Mondale calls Jane Freeman "an amazing Minnesotan." The Star Tribune reports she worked with the United Nations and UNICEF, and served as president of the National Girl Scout Council from 1978-1984.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. April 7 at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
Many extended their thoughts when learning of her passing.
“We lost a great woman today. At 96, Jane Freeman was still going strong. She served as First Lady of Minnesota and the Department of Agriculture as well as National President of the Girl Scouts. With her good and persistent spirit, she lifted up so many to public service, including President Obama, her husband Orville, kids, grandkids, and me! We will miss her dignity, charm and genuine love of politics.” - Sen. Amy Klobuchar
“Jane Freeman was a wonderful First Lady, and an outstanding civic leader.” - Gov. Mark Dayton
“First Lady Jane Freeman was a founding mother of the DFL. Raised during the Great Depression, she was filled with a passion for justice and opportunity from an early age. Her humanitarian heart and political savvy established her as a leader in international development, women’s empowerment, and Democratic politics. She dedicated her career to improving the lives of everyday families—whether they lived right here in Minnesota or on the other side of the world. My thoughts and prayers are with the Freeman family during this time of loss.” - DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin
