Frank Freehill

After a courageous battle with cancer, Francis (“Francie” or “Frank”) E. Freehill, 61, born October 26, 1959, died on March 15, 2021, resting in Our Lord’s loving arms. This gentle, kind, sweet, funny man will be missed and remembered forever. Frank was born to Donna and Bill Freehill, the sixth of eight children. He grew up in Roberts, Illinois, attending Roberts-Thawville Grade School and graduating from Ford Central High School. Having spent numerous family vacations camping in Colorado, it wasn’t long before he made his way back to the mountainous state. It was in Colorado that he met the love of his life, Becky, and they were married in 1994. He and Becky, who survives him, raised two daughters: Christina (Brady) Miller and Stacy Manweiler, both of Fort Collins, CO. Frank’s favorite times were spent with family, especially with his grandsons. He was “Pops” to Mason, Maddox, Tanner and Marik, who he shamelessly spoiled with his time and affection. Whether at sporting and school events or family meals together, his love for these boys was strong. He enjoyed his daily walks with his Boston Terriers, jazz music, reading, creating stained glass art, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and was also an avid Fighting Illini fan. He spent many Sundays sitting in his chair with his large TV screaming at the Denver Broncos. Frank was a very generous soul. He routinely carried socks, granola bars, and toothbrushes with tooth paste in his car to give to homeless people he encountered. He was an ardent believer in donating blood and platelets, earning a commendation for the number of donations he contributed. Faith was an important part of his life. He was a proud member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church and a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. He prayed the rosary daily. Frank is survived by six siblings: Danny (Karen), Sulphur, OK; Andy (Karen), Carlinville, IL; Susie (Rick) Copass, Decatur, IL; Pam (Mike) Koch, Fort Myers Beach, FL; Tim (Lori), Roberts , IL; and Eileen (Ron) Woolums, Gibson City, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Mike. Frank was a beloved uncle to numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He also very much loved his Aunts Rita Gehlsen, Mary Ann Miller and Mary Ellen Johnson, who provided spiritual support for him during his last months. Goes Funeral Care & Crematory, Inc is handling the arrangements. A Catholic funeral liturgy for Frank will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, beginning with the praying of the rosary at 10:30 and the liturgy at 11:00 at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Fort Collins. Due to Covid restrictions, social distancing and masks will be required and no reception is permitted. The entire service will be streamed live, which you can view at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Religious-Organization/St-Elizabeth-Ann-Seton-Catholic-Parish-in-Fort-Collins-CO-613861565303368/ This summer, there will be a memorial service in Roberts, Illinois. Frank will be buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Roberts, IL. A traditional Freehill family celebration will follow. Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Frank to the Larimer County Humane Society at www.larimerhumane.org or The Children’s Hospital of Colorado at www.childrenscoloradofoundation.org. We will miss you so much, sweet Frank. Rest well.