Clara Henrietta Freda, 93, Minot and former longtime South Prairie area resident died on Thursday, February 14, 2008 in a Minot nursing home.

Clara Henrietta Freda was born on June 19, 1914 on the family farm near Douglas, ND to Julius and Mary (Rud) Fjeld. She was raised on the family farm in Hilton Township of Ward County, attended Hilton rural schools, confirmed in 1928 at the Max Lutheran Church and graduated from Douglas High School in 1934. Henrietta married Roland Freda on November 20, 1935 in Minot. Following their marriage they farmed in Gasman Township of Ward County south of Minot and moved to a farm in Burt Township of Ward County during the early 1940's. In 1946 they bought their farm in Freedom Township of Ward County south of Minot. They built a home and other farm buildings. They raised small grains and cattle for more than fifty years. In 1985 they built a larger home and lived there until 1999. Roland died on March 31, 1999. Henrietta moved to Edgewood Vista in September of 1999 and then to Trinity Homes in April of 2002.

Henrietta was active in her community. She was a longtime member of the Gasman Homemakers Club and served as secretary for the Freedom Farmers Union. She was president and secretary of the Freedom PTA and served as a Gasman Lucky Stars 4-H Club leader for many years. She enjoyed hand quilting, sewing, gardening, cooking and baking.

Henrietta's loving family includes her daughters Margaret (Arlan) Irwin of Willmar, MN and Claire (Russell) Larson of Minot; grandchildren: Blair and Bryce Irwin, Beth Welle, Craig and Bruce Larson, Lynn Meine and Chanda Fretheim; great grandchildren: Andria and Monica Larson; Benjamin, Jacob, Hannah and Samuel Irwin; Derek Doty; Elliot Schwab; Alison, Luke and Nathan Welle; Matthew and Brooke Meine; sister: Regina (William) Oien of Poulsbo, WA and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Henrietta was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two infant daughters, and brothers: Ole and James Fjeld.

Funeral Service: Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. in Bethany Lutheran Church - Minot.
Interment will be in Gasman Township Cemetery.
Visitation: Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.