Gary Freeland

A funeral service for Gary B. Freeland will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home with Parish Ministry Associate Julie Schmidt officiating. Following the traditional service, cremation will take place and a private family inurnment will be held at the Industry Cemetery near Atlanta, Nebraska on Friday, October 27, 2023.

Gary Bruce Freeland, 69 years of age, of Shelton, Nebraska, formerly of Rock Falls Township west of Atlanta, Nebraska, died on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at his home near Shelton after a courageous battle with cancer. Gary was born on May 6, 1954, in Holdrege, Nebraska, the youngest of three children born to Bruce Dean and Arzetta Bernice (King) Freeland. Gary grew up on a farm southwest of Atlanta. He received his education from Loomis Public Schools graduating with the class of 1972.

Following his education he attended classes at Central Community College in Hastings, Nebraska but when his father passed away he returned to help at home. Gary worked as a Lineman in New Castle, Wyoming, and as a truck driver for a short time in Rapid City, South Dakota. He then returned to Nebraska where he trucked in the area and around 2003, he became the owner and operator of Blackhat Express as an over-the-road truck driver hauling livestock.

In 1977 Gary was united in marriage to Cathy Jannison and they were blessed with two children: Brandon and Jenny. This marriage later ended in divorce. Gary then shared his life with Jeri Arguello for over 30 years.

He truly enjoyed his work as a truck driver but also liked to ride his motorcycle and go camping. He loved animals, especially dogs and horses.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Warren McCumber; and several aunts and uncles.

He leaves to celebrate his life, his children: Brandon Freeland; and Jenny Jimenez both of Rapid City; five grandchildren: Jacob; Brady and his wife, Alyssa; Isabella; Trenton; and Mason; two sisters: Sharon Dahlstedt (Stephen) of Houston; and Connie Foster (John) of Kearney, Nebraska; Jeri Arguello of Rapid City; his nieces and nephews: Kari Wells (Mitch) and their children Dylan and Harper of Axtell; Darin Foster (Angie) and son Cohen of Omaha; very special friends, Kenny and Becky Zimmerman; and most of all his dog and best loyal friend Buddy; along with aunts, uncles, other family members and many friends.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in Gary's honor and kindly suggested to a local animal shelter or to St. Jude at https://www.stjude.org/donate/

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.