Freda M. Eggert

Freda M. Eggert, 86, died on April 28, 2008 at the Libby Care Center. She was born and raised at the family farm near Cortland, Neb. on Aug. 23, 1921.

She was the third child of six to Dietrich Clasen and Alice (Adams) DeVries. She married Vernon Speirs in Beatrice, Neb. on Feb. 20, 1943. They later divorced. She married Ernie Eggert in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on Feb. 14, 1970.

She moved to Libby in April 1954. She started working as a bookkeeper for J. Neils Lumber Company in 1955 and retired from Champion in 1983.

She was a volunteer bookkeeper for the VFW Post for many years, as well as counting money for Christ Lutheran Church.

She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, and baptized Feb. 2, 1969. Freda was a life member of VFW Ladies Auxiliary, a 43-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary and 37-year member of the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter, Shirley Lou, husband, Ernie Eggert in January 1990, ex-husband, Vernon Speirs, in November 1991, brothers, Enno DeVries and Raym DeVries and sisters, Dorathea Holeman and Darlene Willadsen.

Survivors include her children Ron and Mary Speirs of Hazen, N.D., Donna and Dan Cook of Anacortes, Wash., and Jeff Speirs of Florence; grandchildren Becca and Nate Swenson of Bismarck, N.D., KayCee and Charlie Luxtrum of Bellingham, Wash., Ryan Speirs of Hazen, N.D., and Jesse Speirs of Missoula; great-grandson Andrew Swenson, of Bismarck, N.D.; brother Rich DeVries and his wife JoAnn of Henderson, Nev.; sisters-in-law Evelyn DeVries of Kingstowne, Va. and Ellen DeVries of Lincoln, Neb.; brother-in-law Dale Willadsen of Elgin, Iowa and Mesa, Ariz. and numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 5, 2008 with a luncheon to follow at the VFW Post. Memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 200 W. Larch, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, St. John’s Hospice, 350 Louisiana Ave., University of Nebraska Foundation, P.O. Box 82555, Lincoln, NE 68501-2555 in the DeVries name, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by Nelson & Vial Funeral Home & Crematory in Libby.