Betty J. Freeman

Betty J. (Westpfahl) Freeman, 88, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away at home on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Betty was born on September 26, 1936, in Hawkeye, Iowa, the daughter of Carl and Grace (Helmer) Westpfahl. She graduated from Clermont High School on May 28, 1954. During high school, Betty was a cheerleader and was active in choir and theater.

After graduation, Betty worked for a short time in Chicago, Illinois, before moving to Cedar Rapids, where she was employed at Collins Radio. She met her husband, Dale, at a dance at the CSPS Hall in Cedar Rapids, and they were married on December 15, 1956. Betty and Dale enjoyed many years in a mixed bowling league and spent countless fun hours hanging out with neighborhood friends. They also loved playing games together — with Yahtzee being a favorite.

Over the years, Betty worked on and off at Rockwell Collins and also served for a time as secretary of the Hiawatha Water Board. However, her greatest joy was her family, to whom she devoted herself as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter.

Betty is survived by her husband, Dale Freeman; her children, Brian (Sheila) Freeman, John (Angela) Freeman, and Laurie (Stuart) Jones; her grandchildren, Alisia (Adam) Abert, Jeremiah Jones, Allyson (Jeff) Pattison, Jared (Collette DeLeon) Freeman, Lauren (David) McFarland, John (Jennifer) Freeman, David (Amy) Freeman, Andrea (BJ) Harken, and Bethany (Mitchell McNett) Freeman; and her great-grandchildren, Jordan (Daniel), Brady, Caleb, Landon, Jayd, Scottie, Trey, McKenna, Kameron, Milton, Iva, Levi, Lily, and Daisy. She is also survived by her brother, Richard Westpfahl; sister-in-law, Ruth Westpfahl; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her infant son, Bruce; her parents, Carl and Grace Westpfahl; her siblings, Wallace Westpfahl, Florentine “Teen” (Conrad) Hauser, Lorraine (Russ) Miller, Marjorie (Brad) Bradley, Kenneth Westpfahl, Ruth (Kenny) Amundson, Elbert (Joyce) Westpfahl, and Louise Westpfahl; and her sister-in-law, Barbara Westpfahl.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Betty’s memory to UnityPoint Hospice (290 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, Suite 100, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402) or NAMI Linn County.

The family wishes to thank UnityPoint Hospice for the compassionate care given to Betty.

Online condolences for the family may be shared below.