John Freitas of North Platte, NE, peacefully passed away at the North Platte Care Center on January 10, 2024, at the age of 80.
John was born August 8, 1943, to Jose and Izabel Freitas in Portugal and grew up on the family farm at Lajes das Flores, Azores Islands. He moved to the United States when he was 18 and worked for his uncle on a dairy farm in California. John later became a truck driver and drove for 55 years until recently when his health declined.
On May 15, 2001, John married Vicki Lacey in Las Vegas and they lived in California. After retiring they moved to Vicki's hometown of North Platte where John continued working part-time. He worked at the Coop, helped farmers with their harvest, and was a member of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Posse and Eagles.
John loved the country life. He was a hard worker and a cowboy at heart. He loved raising and training steers and oxen and enjoyed entering them in parades where they pulled wooden carts.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Amelia.
John is survived by his wife, Vicki; children, John, Jr. of Wyoming and Joanna of California; stepson, Jason (Susan) of Texas; siblings, Morris, Joe, Assiss, Teresa, Patricia, Louisa and Judy; as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family.
Cremation was chosen and a family celebration will be at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.