Lorena M. Freeman

CHANA, IL ~ Lorena M. (Long) Freeman, formerly of Woodland Park, CO, passed away peacefully at Franklin Grove Living & Rehab Center of Franklin Grove, IL, on Thursday, September 19, 2024. She was born August 24, 1938, on the family farm near Kings, IL, the daughter of Floyd R. & Ida R. (Hepfer) Long. She graduated from Rochelle High School in 1957 and left home for Colorado a few years later. She worked as a bank clerk for over 32 years before her retirement in 1995. While in Colorado she fell in love with William “Bill” Freeman and the two got married in Wheat Ridge, CO on June 24, 1983. They spent the next 33 years together until his passing on December 1, 2016. She moved back to the Chana area in 2017. Throughout her life she enjoyed many simple things like sewing aprons, tablecloths, and even Christmas gifts for her family and friends. In her younger years her family would have picnics for all of the relatives. She also loved to travel with her loved ones to places like Mexico, Hawaii, and over 7 different countries in Europe. Her travels often took her to see her family as well. They would often visit IL and even once visited Bill’s aunts in the state of Oregon. Her true passion, however, is said to be that of music and piano. She would love to spend her time playing hymns like “Beyond the Sunset” or “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

Lorena is preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers Merlyn D. Long & Melvin D. Long and brother-in-law Jack Roth. She is survived and missed dearly by her two sisters Loretta (Don) Bell of Chana, IL and Marion Roth of Arvada, CO; sister-in-law Lynn Long of Johnsburg, IL; many nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and nephews. 

Lorena will be laid to rest following a private family graveside at Lighthouse Cemetery of Oregon, IL. The family has asked that you please consider giving a donation to a church of your choice in Lorena’s name.