Freda Mae Stephens, 99, of Sheldon, Iowa, a long-time resident of Vermillion, South Dakota passed away on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at Sanford Sheldon Care Center in Sheldon. Freda Bursell was born on December 27, 1918 in Elk Point, South Dakota, the daughter of Willard and Vina (Chamberlain) Bursell. She was baptized and confirmed at home on the farm in Meckling by Rev. Bly from Bergen Lutheran Church from rural Vermillion. She was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church before… Read More » she moved away to live closer to her son, Edmond and his family in Sheldon, Iowa in 2014. She graduated from Busy Ben #9 Country school. She married Harry Albert Stephens on January 5, 1935 in Yankton, South Dakota. They made their home in Vermillion, South Dakota and were blessed with two sons, Edmond and Harvey. In later years, they had two foster sons, Richard and Harold Bursell. She was a licensed day care provider inside of her home in Vermillion for 42 years. She loved taking care of small children just like they were her own. She enjoyed music, cooking, embroidery, and family gatherings to have chicken, the trimmings, and watermelon, and roses and petunia flowers. Freda is survived by her son, Edmond of Sheldon, IA; her two foster sons, Richard of Colorado Springs, Co, and Harold of Mill Creek, WA; her grandchildren, Wade, Chad, Justin, Lara, Trent, Troy, and Sara Lee Stephens; her great grandchildren, Travis, Nikole, Heather, (Wade), Chad-Michael, Lauren, Dallas, (Chad), Chase, and Chantel (Justin); and 13 great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Alice Kutelik of Vermillion. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Harry, her son, Harvey Alan, four brothers, Arnold, Freeman, Wilbur, and William; and four sisters, Betty, Beatrice, Violet, and Alma.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Freda Mae Stephens 2018. Anderson-Siecke-Kober Funeral Home
Death notice for the town of: Elk Point, state: South Dakota