Rebecca "Becky" Freeland
Rebecca Sue “Becky” Freelend, 68, of Marquette, died Monday, December 2, 2024, at the Buffet Cancer Center in Omaha. Memorial services will be held at a future date. The family suggests donations in her honor to Hope Lodge Omaha either at cancer.org/HopeLodgeOmahaDonate or by mailing checks payable to the American Cancer Society to Hope Lodge Omaha, 8030 Farnam Drive, Omaha, NE, 68114-4441. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com.
Becky was born on July 19, 1956, to Richard and MaryAnne (Mullen) Roenfeldt in Grand Island. She grew up in Grand Island and graduated from Grand Island Senior High in 1974. She spent two years at Radford University in Virginia before attending Kearney State College (UNK), where she earned her bachelor’s of science degree in business administration in 1980. Becky married Nick Freelend on September 7, 1996, at their home at Willow Bend Lake near Marquette. She worked at Park Place Care and Rehabilitation Center in Grand Island as Activities Director, and later at the Central City Housing Authority until her retirement on September 6, 2024.
She was a member of Heartland E-Free Church in Central City, held several offices including President of Drove 147 of BPO Does in Grand Island, American Legion Auxiliary in Palmer, and the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. She actively participated in and raised funds for ACS Relay for Life. Becky was also a Nebraska State Fair volunteer for many years since it moved to Grand Island. She was an avid Husker football and volleyball fan, enjoyed crafts and repurposing found treasures from Nebraska Junk Jaunt, racquetball, softball, playing cards and spending time with family.
Becky is survived by her husband Nick of Marquette; her children Paul Freelend of Hong Kong, Michael Freelend of Virginia, and Melissa Freelend of Wisconsin; her mother MaryAnne Kaspar of Grand Island; her brothers Rick (Marilyn) of Florida; Roger (Ellen) Roenfeldt of Florida, and Randy (Mary Mcdonald) Roenfeldt of Nebraska; her brothers-in-law Jeff (Leonora) Freelend of Idaho and Jim Freelend of California; her sister-in-law Nancy (Miles) McGinnis of Nebraska; and cherished nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Becky was preceded in death by her father Richard Roenfeldt; stepfather Tom Kaspar; and in-laws Bob and Willa Freelend.