Lawrence E. Friestad, 75

Lawrence E. Friestad, age 75, of McCook, Neb., passed away at his home on Jan. 11, 2022. 

 He was born in Ottawa, Illinois, on Sept. 22, 1946, to Joseph M. and Hazel I. (Foreman) Friestad. Lawrence attended College View Academy in Lincoln, Neb., graduating in 1964. He attended Union College in Lincoln and obtained his nursing degree in 1971.  He worked in Hinsdale, Ill.  for three years before moving to Seattle, Wash.,  to attend Group Health’s Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program, graduating as a CRNA in 1976. Lawrence moved to Winner, South Dakota to begin his career.

Lawrence married Rosalea “Tillie” Betts in Nevada, Iowa on Aug. 4, 1968.  The couple lived on “Rock Hill” a 20-acre plot in Winner, South Dakota. They moved to Southwest Nebraska 25 years ago while Lawrence worked in hospitals in McCook, Oberlin, Cambridge and Benkelman until he retired. Tillie preceded him in death on December 16, 2019.

Lawrence was an accomplished pianist and organist. He and Tillie donated the Trumpet Pipes for the pipe organ at the College View Church in Lincoln, Neb.  He enjoyed wild boar hunts, and prairie dog hunting. He was a collector of many things, but really enjoyed collecting old and antique tools. Lawrence would meet friends for coffee and buy lunch and have an intelligent conversation and a laugh. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Hazel; wife, Rosalea “Tillie.”

Lawrence is survived by his brother, Lloyd, of Seattle, WA; sister, Lorraine Friestad, of Shawnee, KS; niece, Jean Friestad, of Nevada, IA; and a host of friends and relatives.

Graveside services were  held at the College View Cemetery in Lincoln, Neb. on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2021, at 1 p.m. with Rev. Ray Daniels officiating. Friends may leave on-line condolences at herrmannfh.com. Memorials may be left in Lawrence’s name to Union College in Lincoln, Neb. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.

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