Gretchen Elizabeth Freeman

Gretchen Elizabeth Freeman, Minden resident, passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the age of 55, with her devoted husband by her side. Though she had only recently begun the treatment stage for her cancer, unexpected complications brought her to Omaha’s Bergan Mercy Hospital, where she ultimately gained her angel wings.

Gretchen was born on October 15, 1969, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, to Nan and Glenn Roach. She was one of three daughters from their union, along with her sisters Barbara and Sarah. Gretchen was also part of a large blended family and shared close ties with her older siblings: Glenn’s children—Glenda, Glendon, Theresa, David, Bradley, and Lisa—and Nan’s children—Kathy, Steve, Bill, Martha, and Marsha.

Gretchen, Barbara, and Sarah shared an especially close bond throughout their lives. As children, they spent countless happy hours riding bikes and camping together. Gretchen was a quiet, bright child with a deep love for learning and school.

Her greatest joy came from being a mother to her two sons, Nathan (born in 1992) and Aaron (born in 1993). Her heart was fullest when both of her adult sons were home with her.

Gretchen met the love of her life, Justin Freeman, in Hutchinson, Kansas, and they married on June 26, 2002. They raised their sons and Justin’s daughter, Sarah, in the Hutchinson area and lived there together before relocating to Nebraska in 2019. Just weeks before her passing, Gretchen and Justin celebrated 23 years of marriage and 25 years of love, surrounded by their closest family and friends.

In recent years, Gretchen spent her quiet moments working on intricate diamond paintings and crocheting blankets for loved ones. Earlier in their marriage, she and Justin enjoyed taking their kids to Little Sahara State Park, where they rode four-wheelers together as a family. Gretchen adored her grandchildren, who will deeply miss her warmth, kindness, and sense of humor.

A passionate advocate for domestic violence awareness, Gretchen often wore purple in memory of her beloved sister, Sarah.

She is preceded in death by her parents Glenn and Nan Roach; her sisters Glenda and Sarah; and a sibling who passed in infancy.

Left to celebrate her life are her loving husband Justin Freeman; her son Nathan Popchoke; her son Aaron and daughter-in-law Kristin Popchoke, along with grandsons Wesley and David; stepdaughter Sarah and husband Mark Mora, with grandchildren Noah, Myleigh, and Sebastian; stepdaughter Mandy and husband Dan Nolind, with grandchildren Caleb Reed and Zoe Harris; her sister Barbara Summers; siblings Glendon Roach, Theresa Browne, David Roach, Bradley Roach, Lisa Anderson, Kathy Hall, Steve Miller, Bill Miller, Martha Powell, and Marsha Anderson; stepchildren Sarah Popchoke and Josh Popchoke; her dear friend, Tonya Krejci; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held at the Dillon Nature Center in Hutchinson, Kansas on August 9, 2025, from 1:00-5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society in memory of Gretchen.