In loving memory

Willa Dell Freelend

September 21, 1934 – May 9, 2019

Lived 84 years

Central City Cemetery · Central City, NE

“Continue to support each other, never lose the bond you have as a family. Don’t fight over anything. Treat each other as you want to be treated. Family is too important to lose over material things.” -Willa Freelend

Life story

Willa was born on September 21, 1934 to Vernon William and Iva (Waggoner) Sidders in Silver Creek, Nebraska. She grew up and attended schools in rural Merrick County. She then attended Central City High School, Nebraska Central College, Hastings College, and off campus courses at UNL.

She married Robert Charles Freelend on June 6, 1954 in Cairo, Nebraska. Willa taught school in rural Merrick County District 18 and 29. With summers off, she traveled to Washington D.C. to work for the FBI. She loved teaching. Children arrived and Willa was at home until returning to a parttime work in an insurance office and eventually leading to Real Estate in 1968 freeing her to be on call and allowing her to work at home and in the greenhouses. She joined Central Farm Development Co. in 1970 after Jim was born, became a partner in 1976, and bought out the business in 1980 becoming Central Realty and Insurance. Willa retired in 2005 and went on to manage Central City Housing Authority for the next 5 years. She retired again in 2010.

Willa was a member of Christ Episcopal Church. She volunteered as a 4-H Leader for years, taught Red Cross Swimming from 1956 until the late 60’s, Red Cross Director, Jr. Women’s Club, instrumental in creating Lone Tree Park, Litzenberg Hospital Pink Lady, Sunday School teacher, Organist, Layreader, School Board, Ind. Steering Committee, Ed. Advisory Committee, Chamber Vice President, Chamber President, Merrick County Ag and Industrial President, Housing Coordinator, Fitness Center Board Member for 10 years, Fine Arts Center proponent, Merrick County Entertainment Group, Central Nebraska Housing Authority Board, City Council, PEO Chapter AB, and a Teammates Member.

Willa’s most treasured accomplishment was raising four wonderful children who continue to contribute to their fellow man.

Survivors include her husband Bob of Central City, NE; her children – Nicholas (Rebecca) Freelend of Marquette, Jeffrey (Leonora) Freelend of Lewiston, ID, Nancy (Miles) McGinnis of Central City, and James (Joe Costello) Freelend of Denver, CO; her grandchildren – Paul Freelend, Michael Freelend, Melissa Freelend, Robert W. Freelend, Jon Scott Freelend, Emiline McGinnis, Charles McGinnis, Graci McGinnis, Jacque Hageman, Jennifer Gering, and Jami Castilleja; and one Great Granddaughter – McClain Freelend; her siblings – Gail Land of Lakewood, CO, Neal Sidders of Wood River, and Larry Sidders of Bozeman, MT.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother; Dean Sidders.

Read the obituary

Photos