Kenneth M. Freemark Jr.

Ken was born in Lorain, Ohio in 1933 and welcomed into Heaven on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the age of 90.  He was a prominent Wilmington architect and builder.  He was the great grandson of Dr. John A. Brown, founder of “Browntown” and the Wilmington Sewer Dept.

He grew up in Ecorse Michigan.  He graduated from Ecorse High School in 1952, served 2 years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and 2 years in the Army Reserves.  He was married March 24, 1956.  He graduated from Michigan State University in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management and in 1960 moved to Delaware.  He worked as a superintendent and designer for Gordy Builders and managed Gordy and Son Pre Fab Company.  After 2 years, he formed his own company to consult in designing homes for local builders.  Shortly after, he joined Jack Alexander in 1963 and together they formed Jack Alexander, Inc., the first design/build contractor in the area.  They designed and built custom homes, churches, fire halls, offices, schools, colleges, health clubs and manufacturing plants and warehouses.  During this time, he went to night school at Drexel University to study architecture and in 1973, became a registered architect.

He was president and CEO of Jack Alexander Inc. for over 50 years and owner of Kenneth M. Freemark Architects for over 40 years.

He designed and built over 300 custom homes in Delaware and Pennsylvania.  Designed and consulted with Salem Community College student construction program.  Also designed and built Brandywine Jr. College (now Widener) and Wilmington College.  He developed many prestigious communities in Hockessin, Centreville, Greenville, Chadds Ford and Kennett Square PA and Chestertown, MD.

He was a member of several organizations, on the Board of Artisan’s Bank, taught at Delaware Technical Community College, past president of AIA and ABC, past president of the Delaware Architectural Foundation and American Institute of Architects, a certified construction inspector and project manager.

He received several design awards throughout the years and was nominated in 1998 to “Who’s Who” and in 2001 to Americas Outstanding Professionals. He participated in projects with Habitat for Humanity and volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House.  He was an Eagle Scout and a Free Mason.

He is survived by his two loving daughters, Kim Nahrgang of Middletown, DE and Dianne Heckert of Annapolis, MD, 2 wonderful sons-in-law, Jim Nahrgang and Brad Heckert, 5 special grandchildren, Ryan (wife Nikki) and Chase Nahrgang and Connor, Jarrett and Braedyn Heckert, cousin Gary Floyd (wife Cass), who was like a brother to him, of Camden, MI, stepson Michael Ciaffi (wife Gina).

He was a very positive person and always had a smile on his face.  He was always willing to help people, loved gardening, traveling and spending time with his family.

He enjoyed his career and achieved many accomplishments, but his greatest happiness was being with his family and friends.

Psalm 23:6                                                                                                                                Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.