LAWRENCE E. FRIESTAD

Lawrence E. Friestad age 75 of McCook passed away at his home on January 11, 2022. He was born in Ottawa, IL on September 22, 1946, to Joseph M. and Hazel I. (Foreman) Friestad. Lawrence attended College View Academy in Lincoln, NE graduating in 1964. He attended Union College in Lincoln NE and obtained his Nursing Degree in 1971. He worked in Hinsdale, IL for 3 years before moving to Seattle, Washington to attend Group Health’s Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program and graduated as a CRNA in 1976. Lawrence moved to Winner, South Dakota to begin his career.

Lawrence married Rosalea “Tillie” Betts in Nevada, IA on August 4, 1968. Tillie preceded him in death on December 16, 2019. The couple lived on “Rock Hill” a 20 acre plot in Winner, SD. Lawrence moved to Southwest Nebraska 25 years ago working in hospitals in McCook, Oberlin, Cambridge, and Benkelman till he retired.

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, NE. 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.

Visitation was held on Monday, January 17, 2022, at the Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel. Graveside services were held a the College View Cemetery in Lincoln on Tuesday, January 18, 2021, at 1:00 PM with Rev. Ray Daniels. Friends may leave on-line condolences at herrmannfh.com. Memorials may be left in Lawrence's name to Union College in Lincoln, NE. Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements.