Catherine Louise Freeman Harper Dusing

92, was born May 24, 1929, to the late Cecil and Fern Freeman in Indianapolis, Indiana. She passed away, with family at her side, on August 27, 2021. Catherine was a 1947 graduate of Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis. She worked a variety of office jobs before landing at Miller Eads Co in 1969 where she worked as the Office Manager for the electrical contractor until her retirement in 1990.

Catherine married the late Malcolm Harper in 1949, divorcing in 1954. She later married Edward Dusing in 1960, until his passing in 1984. Catherine loved her family, bicycling, sewing and her church. Catherine is a co-founder of the Central Indiana Bicycling Association where she also served as the first president in 1971. She rode for more than 40 years, logging several thousand miles each year. She was instrumental in establishing both the Hilly Hundred event in Bloomington, IN as well as the NITE Ride in Indianapolis. Catherine and Ed rode throughout the United States and Canada. Her love for cycling took her to Europe where she rode in Switzerland, Austria and Germany. She later took a trip to China and rode the Great Wall of China. Catherine’s love of cycling also afforded her the opportunity to volunteer for the Olympics held in Atlanta, GA in 1986 as well as the Pan Am Games in Indianapolis in 1987.

As her age began keeping her from riding as often, she got more involved in sewing and the local Chapter of the American Sewing Guild. She held offices for several years. Catherine especially enjoyed making items for her family.

Catherine is preceded in death by her siblings: Florence Bandy, John Freeman, Philip Freeman and Paul Freeman. Catherine is survived by her brother Richard (Linda) Freeman, as well as her daughters Jeannette (Stan) Pederson and Susan Burge; grandchildren Elaine (William) Carter, Erik (Pam) Pederson, Bryan (Nichole) Burge, Brad (Jenna) Burge, and Kristy (Jeremy) Dodge. Catherine leaves behind 12 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter.

In lieu of flowers, Catherine asked that gifts and donations be made to Roberts Park United Methodist Church where she was a member for 50 years.