Loretta (Reta) Joy Huenefeld, 91, of Freeport, IL, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2024, at her home. She was born September 3, 1933, in Vernon County, WI to Ole and Lois (Parr) Martinson. She married Robert Huenefeld on May 22, 1954, at Sugar Grove Methodist Church in rural Westby, WI. Reta was a pillar of strength for her family and was always one to lead with kindness. Her Norwegian heritage was of great importance to her, opening her up to many jokes about her being a stubborn Norwegian and in moments of difficulty, her Norwegian strength was always one of the first things to be acknowledged.

Reta received her GED at Highland Community College in Freeport. She was an avid reader who loved to read biographies, historical nonfiction and about current events. She was greatly affected by the Holocaust. She couldn't understand how people could deny what happened or that people could disregard it so quickly. She was very interested about news from around the world. Throughout her life she had many pen pals from all corners of the world. She was a proud Democrat and advocate for women's rights. She voted in every election, including this last one. Reta was in the truest sense of the word a Christian. Her church and faith were important to her. She was a proud member of the Freeport Church of the Brethren. She loved her family and friends, living in the country, gardening and bird watching.

She is survived by daughters, Pam(Bob) Miller of Iowa City, IA, Gigi Ditzler of Freeport, IL; four grandchildren, Matt (Samantha) Miller of White Bear Lake MN, Joshua Miller of Iowa City IA, Lindsay Ditzler (John Sander) of Indianola IA, Sara(Dave) Thompson of Norwalk IA; six great grandchildren, Finn and Jaxon Miller, Linus and Theo Sander, Edwin and Olive Thompson; sister-in-law, Marge Bamberg; and many nieces and nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, her parents, Lois and Ole, sister, Leah Roberts, brother, Ron Martinson, and son-in-law, David Ditzler.

Visitation will be held from 10-11 am. on Friday, November 15 with the celebration of life service to follow at 11 at the Freeport Church of the Brethren with Pastor Christina Singh officiating. The family would like to thank FHN Hospice for their compassion and care during this difficult time. A memorial has been established in her memory for the Freeport Church of the Brethren, FHN Hospice or Doctors Without Borders.