Walter D. Freehill

Walter D. Freehill, almost 91 of La Crosse, passed away April 13, 2026, very peacefully at Emplify by Gundersen.

He was born on May 14, 1935 to Walter J. & Helen E. Freehill in Fort Wayne, IN. On August 24, 1957 he was united in marriage to Gloria D. Lichtie at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in La Crosse. They celebrated 62 years of marriage before she preceded him in death in May, 2019. Together they raised four children. David (Tammy) Freehill, Onalaska; Steven Freehill, Sr., La Crosse; Lorie (Kevin) Michaels, Stoddard, WI; Stacey Kulish, Gray, TN.

After graduating from Central High School in Fort Wayne, IN, he joined the Army. He served from January, 1954 to January, 1957. He made the rank of Sergeant serving in Korea. He was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

He retired from Foreway Express Trucking in 1995 at age 60. He was a long time member of the Moose Lodge, since 1980. He loved to travel and loved the winters they would be Snowbirds in Orange Beach, AL. He was very much a people person and loved to talk to anyone. One of his favorite things to do was ride his bike all over the neighborhood, stopping and talking with lots of people he met along the way. He was very much a joker and loved to banter back and forth, especially with his family. He was a very strong willed man and always teased he had a “Super Brain”. This will never be forgotten. He will never be forgotten. He was our rock throughout our lives and we will miss him dearly.

In addition to his children, he is survived by 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Sister-in-law, Fran Heller of Rochester, IN, and many nieces and nephews. Also, his special friend, Angie Dummer.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his brother, Donald Heller and his grandson, Joshua Tronick.

Funeral Services will be Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crosse. The Rev. Brian D. Konopa will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Private entombment will be at the Catholic Cemetery.

"What so ever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me"