Wade Michael Freeman

Wade Michael Freeman was born on July 22, 1992 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Kathryn Louise Drews (Tol) and Roger Lee Freeman. He made a grand entrance into the world and proceeded to leave a lasting imprint on the community around him and every person he met. On August 15, 2023, Wade was called Home and passed away at the age of 31. To know Wade is to know that he left this world doing something he loved, but in a way that was so very "Wade"- quick, fast, and in a hurry. He lived his life in a way that so many of us could only hope to emulate; Fearlessly and unapologetically himself.

Family was everything to Wade. Both the family he was born into, and the family he chose and created for himself among the many people he connected with. Yoshi Rhythmos, one of his very best friends, references Proverbs 18:24 ..."there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother," and so many others who were pulled in by Wade's enigmatic and outgoing personality would likely say the same thing. People have said that Wade was always one to make them feel safe, welcome and loved. Wade had a smile that would light up a room and a solid, genuine, infectious laugh. He took things seriously, but only when his sister was lecturing him! He was a goofball at heart- always dancing and bringing lightness into a room with his bright personality. And let's not ever forget Wade always doing what he loved... boostin!...you could always find him under the hood, or behind the wheel of a car, or doing a flip in your front yard, or off the roof of a building. Wade lived his life in a way, that for the rest of people's lives, he will come up in conversation...."remember when Wade..., " and people will laugh and smile and remember the things he said or did that had a lasting impact. His energy was unmatched.

Wade will live on through the memories of those that love him- including MANY family members and friends, his parents- Roger and Katy, his grandmothers Sharon Slabbekoorn and Deborah Freeman, his sisters- Dominique Tol and Cassie Freeman, his niece Kinsley and his nephew Warren, his daughters- Esther Fern and Evelyn Aubrey (born to Aubrey Kopytko), and a son- due November 2023 to Quinn Yondo.

Wade's children will grow up knowing that their dad would encourage them to always look for more...more fun, more laughs, more experiences, more meaning. He would encourage them to never settle and to never let life just "happen" to them- he would want them to make their own way and carve out their own path through life. Ride where your heart desires and where you feel called. May we all take a page from Wade's notebook and remember the importance of living life to the very fullest.

Celebration of Life services will be held Friday, August 25, 2023, at 11:00AM, at New Life Christian Fellowship, 2777 Knapp Street NE, Grand Rapids, with visitation beginning at 10:00AM.  Services entrusted to Crystal T. Hardley.  616.813.8351.