William Freeman

WILLIAM M. FREEMAN

William (Bill) Freeman passed away on May 18, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada, following a short illness. He was born March 1, 1934 in Rockford, Illinois to Naomi Clarkson. He went to school in Faribault, Minnesota, then Manchester and Freeborn, Minnesota before moving to Pocahontas, Iowa in 1950. 

In March of 1953, he married Shirley Barrett of Pocahontas. In 1959, the couple moved to Clarion. Bill began working for the Great Chicago Northwestern Railroad in June of 1960. To this union, 4 children were born, Debbie, Roxy, Jonie and Joe. The couple later divorced.

He worked for 36 years as a conductor on the railroad. He retired in September of 1996. He married Rose Larson of Boone, Iowa in 2003. They spent 12 years traveling the continental United States. He loved every moment of traveling, always looking for what was over that hill and around the next bend. He settled down in Las Vegas in 2008. An accomplished author, he has written 3 books. "The Bastard Son," his first novel, is his life story. This book was followed by "Someday" and "Karma," which is soon to be released.

He was a wonderful husband and father who adored his family. He was a kind and caring man who was always fun and full of life.

He was preceded in death by his mother Naomi and stepfather Kenneth Freeman, brothers Bob, Jerry, Larry, Ron, Rick and sister Patty, brother-in-law Ron Chapman, and daughter Jonie.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Rose, daughters Debbie Freeman, Roxy (Steve) Gadzicki, son Joe Freeman, grandchildren Jana Schulz (Brian) Gosdin, Jax and Jake, and Jason (Michelle) Schulz, Mason; stepsons Shawn (Triesa) Larson, Spyrit, Diamond and Tasha, Tom (Kristi) Larson, Tommy and Lupe, Anakin, sister Judy Chapman, brother John (Colleen) Freeman and sister-in-law Vicky Freeman, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A "Celebration of Life" memorial service will be held on September 17th, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.