Freed, Marian Helen

Marian Helen Freed, 82, of Walker, Minn., passed away Monday, May 28, 2012, at Sanford Health in Fargo, N.D. Funeral services were held 1 p.m. June 2 at Hope Lutheran Church in Walker, with Pastor Harris Hostager and Pastor Keith Piller officiating. Interment: Evergreen Cemetery, Walker.

Marian was born May 26, 1930, in Breckenridge, Minn., to Albert and LaVerne (Pierce) Schuchardt. She graduated from high school in Leola, S.D., and continued her education at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa as a music major. While working as a lab tech at Madison General Hospital in Madison, Wis., she met David Freed during an evening of Christmas caroling. They were married Dec. 22, 1951, in Madison and were blessed with 49 years of marriage. Marian and David settled in West Union, Iowa, where David had his medical practice. Marian was involved in church ministry as a musician, and together they raised their family.

Following retirement in 1991, they moved to their Leech Lake property which they had purchased in 1967. Marian was widowed in 1999 and in 2009, she moved to the Kabekona Village neighborhood.

Marian was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in West Union, where she served as choir director, and Hope Lutheran Church in Walker, Minn. Because music was Marian's passion she enjoyed her years of singing with the Park Rapids Classic Chorale as well as the Chancel Choir and the Hymn Singers at Hope Lutheran. She was also part of the Celebration Bell Choir and the Hannah Circle.

She was a 47-year PEO member and part of the Bridge Club and Book Club. Marian was an avid Minnesota Twins fan, loved to travel and was an excellent seamstress, quilter, and gardener. She was always learning and eager to share about the latest book read.

Marian was a very loving, nurturing, and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and teacher. She had a depth of faith and strength of character that served as a rock for her family. Marian will be remembered as a woman who “lived her faith,” and as a woman who loved and valued worship. Her presence will be missed.

Marian is survived by her children, Alan (Karen) Freed, Kristin Freed, Eric (Kim) Freed and Gretchen Freed; grandchildren, Jennifer (Patrick), Lee (Cheri), Nickie (Nels), Eliah, Ethan, Ryan, Jon, Austin, Evan, Shannon and Ian; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Susan Schuchardt; brother, Paul (Jean) Schuchardt; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, David.

Memorials preferred.

The Dennis Funeral Home of Walker, Minn., assisted the family in making service arrangements.

Share online condolences at www.dennisfuneralhome.com

Published June 3, 2012 in The Gazette