Freda Harris

Freda was born on January 28, 1928 in West Point, NE as the first child of parents, Paul and Freda Woerner. Her father earned a living by loading coal as fuel for steam trains. Her mother was a recent immigrant having left from Limbach Germany in 1926. From this humble family beginning, for the next 94 years, Freda worked hard, but also touched many as she acquired families along her life’s journey.

She graduated West Point High School in 1946, whose Class Motto was, “Before us lies the timber, let us build.” So, build she did. Graduating as a registered nurse from St. Joseph School of Nursing in 1949 with a comment from her instructor that she was “uncommonly responsible”, Nurse Freda burst into the world.

All must not have been work because in 1947, Nurse Freda treated a pneumonia patient who became her first husband. Roger and Freda were married in 1949. Then the serious treasure keeping of mementos began, as she has 75 year old Valentine Day rose petals carefully tucked in an envelope.

The couple started their family in 1958 with the birth of Robin. They lived in a newly built house on the edge of Omaha – at 67th and Blondo. Todd was born in 1960.

Soon after, Freda changed from being a nurse to a dispatcher for the delivery business she and Roger were building. Even though it was a pre-dawn to dark, six day a week job, she didn’t stop being Mom. Spoiling Robin with scratch German Chocolate birthday cakes, Todd with Red Velvet, both with too many gifts at Christmas. And saving mementos in their lives like Robin’s Blue Bird outfit, Todd’s Cub Scout uniform – both ironed, carefully folded in plastic for 50 years. Adding to her treasures.

Eventually, Freda re-certified as a nurse in 1975. Nurse Freda was a staple in surgery at Methodist Hospital for the next 27 year and was voted Nurse of the Year in 1988.

She married Joe Harris in 1976, and they remained together until his death in 1996. It was with Joe that she had her first international travel to Guam and Japan.

Robin and her husband Doug also started a family. Jason and Jennifer gave Freda a new name – Grandma. Just like with Robin and Todd, every card, note, or newspaper clipping became a treasured keepsake. They also gave her the name of Great Grandma as the years progressed.

Freda retired in 1994, but still took any call hours she could well into 2002. During this span, she met Laddie Vacek. Laddie became a dear friend who brought Freda into his family. A whole new set of birthday parties, cakes and treasures followed. Laddie and Freda traveled the US, Japan, and Europe. It was in a small European town that this very responsible couple stayed out well into dark, got lost, and had to go into a police station to get directions to the hotel.

As Freda started to need more help at home, Sue became a frequent visitor assisting with shopping, mail, and explaining that the card the nice police officer gave Freda after a fender bender was actually a ticket. “My Sue” as she became called, allowed Freda to stay at home with her collected treasures for many more years.

Over time, stairs became a challenge and Freda moved into Brookstone Village. It was during those three years she found her last family. “Sweet Freda” became the treasure as staff gave her amazing care and love.

Occasionally, Freda would say, “I am waiting for the angels to take me away.” On Wednesday, July 20, 2022, the angels gently came and said you’ve built enough. Come “Sweet, Great Grandmother, Grandmother, Best Friend, Mom, Wife, Nurse” Freda, let us show you the treasures Jesus has collected for you in heaven.

Preceded in death by first husband, Roger Freyer; second husband, Joe Harris; special friend, Laddie Vacek; and siblings, Paul Woerner, June Gibson, and Lloyd Woerner. Survived by children, Robin (Doug) Whiteley, and Todd (Sue) Freyer; 2 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Private Family Services.

Memorials to Pacific Hills Lutheran Church.