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Freeman, Mavis L.
Mavis L. Freeman, 93, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Pocahontas, Iowa, passed away Monday, Sept. 23, 2013. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Presbyterian Church in Pocahontas.
Mavis was born on the family farm west of Rockwell City, Iowa on Aug. 25, 1920, to Carl and Amber Bryson McVay. She graduated from Rockwell City High School in 1938. Mavis was active in music and drama during her school years and often sang solos with her sister, Dorothy, in the Presbyterian Church. After graduation, Mavis worked for the Rockwell City Superintendent of Schools, Union State Bank and later the Ration Board.
On Oct. 25, 1943, Mavis married Earl (Bud) Freeman of Pocahontas. When Earl returned from Europe at the end of World War II, they moved to Pocahontas. Mavis was an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Pocahontas. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday and Bible school, organized a youth choir, and was a member of United Presbyterian Women. After their two daughters, Ann and Julie, were in school, Mavis started working at the Pocahontas State Bank, where she worked for 30 years, retiring on July 31, 1981.
Following retirement Earl and Mavis wintered in Florida and Harlingen, Texas, where they enjoyed dancing and golfing. Mavis enjoyed spending time with her family, especially during the holidays.
Mavis and Earl moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa in April 2012 and lived at Keystone Cedars Assisted Living Apartments. Earl passed away in August 2012.
While living at Keystone Cedars, Mavis participated in activities such as Book Club, exercise classes, bus trips and shopping. She enjoyed her outings to Younkers, NewBo Market and Target with her new friends. She loved living at Keystone Cedars and she said she “had a good time.”
Mavis is survived by daughters, Ann Wickenkamp (Don) and Julie Varilek (Chuck); grandchildren, Greg and Steve Wickenkamp, Jennifer LaFosse (Luke) and Audra Varilek (fiance Dana Michener); sister-in-law, Maxine Streit; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A special thank you to Dr. Hanawalt, Dr. Bell, the staff and friends at Keystone Cedars, and Nancy, who introduced her to the love of reading.
Published Sept. 27, 2013 in The Gazette
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