Lola Joan Freitag

Age 77, passed away in her South Jordan home Thursday, August 4th surrounded by her children and loved ones. Her spirit, charisma, and lust for life were unparalleled. It was this lust for life that allowed her to amaze her doctors by turning an initial four month prognosis into a four year victory over cancer.

Joan was born the fourth of seven children to Bill and Neva Stallings in Nampa, Idaho in 1939. She graduated from Nampa High School in 1957. In 1962 she married the love of her life, Sam Freitag. Together they traveled and lived in various parts of the country while Sam completed his 25 years of service in the Navy. Upon Sam’s retirement they moved to Homedale, Idaho where they co-managed the Tango Lounge for several years. Later in life, Joan entered the health care industry. Her positive attitude, and true love for people, naturally made her a very talented and compassionate care giver. It was in this profession that she retired as a CNA doing private in home health care in 2000.

Joan moved to Salt Lake City, Utah in 2011 to support her daughter and help care for her son-in-law Murland Weaver. This move also allowed her to spend time with her grandchildren Kayla, Haylee, and Brooklynn, whom she absolutely adored.

Joan loved the simple things in life, a good joke, cooking for her family, a difficult puzzle, singing, watching reality shows with her daughter Judy, her weekly coffee dates with Bush Weaver and spoiling her grandchildren. However, it was being surrounded by friends and family, telling jokes and making people laugh that brought her the most pleasure. She cherished the time that she was able to spend with her brothers and sisters, and her witty exchanges with them. They were true characters, and she loved them dearly.

Joan was an amazing, proud, and selfless mother of four children. As a mother, there was nothing that she ever put before her children, and most importantly she was their best friend. “Best friend” is the way that many who knew her would describe her. Joan was always there for those who needed her. Her spirit, charisma, honesty, laugh, and witty disposition will be greatly missed by all those lucky enough to consider her their “best friend”.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents Bill and Neva Stallings; brothers Billy Max, George, and Larry; sister Karen Hills; son-in-law Murland Weaver and husband Sam. She is survived by her children Max (Noelle) Freitag, Judy Weaver, Dennis Freitag, Sam (Amber) Freitag; sister Arleene; brother Floyd (Linda) Stallings; sister-in-laws, JoAnne and Sharon Stallings; the grandchildren she absolutely cherished, Jacob and Charlotte Freitag, Dustin Weaver, Caleb Freitag, Kayla, Haylee, and Brooklynn Freitag; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Saturday, August 13th at 2:00pm with viewing 1 hour prior at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Reception at Starks to follow from 4-6 pm. Complimentary valet parking provided on the North side of the building.