Thelma Jean Freeman

Thelma Jean Freeman, 76, passed away at Niobrara Health and Life Center in Lusk Wednesday, October 23, 2013, after a long battle with cancer.

Thelma was born in Lusk, Wyoming November 26, 1936 to Henry and Inez (Barnhisel) Kraft.

She spent her formative years on the ranch located on Plum Creek in northern Niobrara County. She attended Indian Creek School, then Niobrara County High School. Always looking to improve her education, Thelma took classes at Chadron State College, eventually graduating from Eastern Wyoming College in 1990.

Thelma always loved ranch life. The Kraft family lost patriarch Henry Kraft in 1948, so it fell onto the shoulders of the whole family to keep the ranch going. She spent many hours on horseback, haying, milking cows, and all the little jobs it takes to run a ranch and survive.

She taught a few years at the Indian Creek School, then worked a year and a half at the ASCS office in Lusk. On Oct. 20, 1957 she married Donald Freeman. They had one daughter, Donee Jean, March 11, 1960. The couple ranched until Donald passed away June 16, 1966 due to complications from diabetes. Thelma then began to drive the mail route from Lusk to Lance Creek, Wyoming. After eleven years she received a career appointment to the Postal Service October 23, 1976. In October of 1993 she was appointed Postmaster in Harrison, Nebraska. After her retirement from the Postal Service Thelma continued working, investing in DJ's Coffee Shop and working long hours to get her new enterprise off and running. Thelma was a longtime member of the Congregational Church, and served as their secretary-treasurer.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Inez Kraft, husband Donald Freeman, daughter Donee Jean Freeman, infant sister Ella Mae Kraft, and sister Barie Lee Rumney. She is survived by her granddaughter April Nicole Freeman, brother Don and sister-in-law Doreen Kraft, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A memorial service will be held November 6, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Congregational Church in Lusk, Wyoming, with Pastor Mark Lohr officiating. Memorials in Thelma's name will be established to the American Cancer Society. Donations may be sent to Thelma Freeman's Family, 832 Edgemont Road, Harrison, NE 69346.

Pier Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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