Freda Myhrwold
Freda Myhrwold
Dear Friends
It is with heavy hearts that we write to inform you of the death of a beloved daughter, aunt, friend, and Nativity staff member, Freda Myhrwold. This loss is sudden and shocking, and our prayers are with Freda's close friends and family members during this time of deep grief.
Simply put, we are heartbroken. Freda has been an integral part of Nativity for over 40 years and has touched the lives of so many. She radiated the light of Christ and blessed us with her immense talent week after week. Her warm smile, welcoming presence, and compassionate leadership have been part of the lifeblood of our community through many changing seasons. To say she will be missed is an extraordinary understatement.
We give thanks for Freda, for the life that she lived and the love that she shared. And we take solace in the fact that she is now safe in the arms of her Savior, whom she loved and served so well.
Please use this online space to share favorite memories, pictures, and stories about Freda. A Celebration of Life will be held at Nativity Lutheran Church in St. Anthony, Minnesota, on Saturday, April 18, at 1:30 pm. Visitation will begin at 12:30 pm.
As Freda so often did, we close this message with a verse: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matthew 5:4). Peace be with you all.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Angela and Pastor Glenn
(Photo Credit: Jason Anderson)
Gallery
Videos
Memory wall
Please share a memory and/or a photo of Freda so that her family, friends, and our church community can share in celebrating Freda's beautiful and bright life.
March 24, 2026
Steve and I first met Freda when she came to Nativity. She was a warm, welcoming person with a marvelous voice. When we became involved with the LAMB hospital in Bangladesh and began our Nativity Scholars scholarships, she graciously stepped up to sing at many of our concerts at Nativity, accompanied by David Livingston and Greg Theisen. In 2012, she and Beth traveled with us to visit LAMB in Bangladesh. We managed to find a guitar for her to use and she sang at various locations. On our way home, we all stopped for a few days of touring and snorkeling in Thailand. We are thankful that we could know and appreciate Freda and her musical and hospitality gifts.
March 23, 2026
I first met Freda in December of 2004 as she and a team from Nativity planned with us and then came to Costa Rica a month later and helped my wife and me start Camp Penuel Costa Rica. I soon found out that Freda spoke better Spanish than I did. On that trip Freda and a few others stayed at a further away off campus sight that my Dad drove them back and forth to each day as they sat in the back of the camp's pickup. It was a very bumpy ride, but Freda made it fun by saying that we could turn it into a Disney attraction.
She always smiled and lit up everyone around her.
I appreciated her music - she did a great job on a CD that she produced. At a camp function at Mark and Lois Finney's home back in 2022, she beautifully sang Acapella some oldies, like "I love to tell the Story," among others. My family and I last saw Freda last summer (2025) as she took the time to come to a surprise party in honor of the Finney's for their service to the camp as our USA representatives. Her passing reminds us all that death often comes when we least expect it, and for that reason we should be ready, and watchful for the signs happening in our world today and pray for readiness.
She always smiled and lit up everyone around her.
I appreciated her music - she did a great job on a CD that she produced. At a camp function at Mark and Lois Finney's home back in 2022, she beautifully sang Acapella some oldies, like "I love to tell the Story," among others. My family and I last saw Freda last summer (2025) as she took the time to come to a surprise party in honor of the Finney's for their service to the camp as our USA representatives. Her passing reminds us all that death often comes when we least expect it, and for that reason we should be ready, and watchful for the signs happening in our world today and pray for readiness.
March 22, 2026
About nine months ago, my daughter and myself went searching specifically for a worship experience. We are part of a small Sunday morning Bible study group that we have grown to love but that doesn't have a musical worship aspect to it. We starting searching around for a service that would allow us worship before our group starts on Sunday, We tried out a multitude of churches and the minute we walked into Nativity and were greeted by Freda's singing, we felt drawn in. We could just feel her love for God coming right through the music. Her sermon where she referenced being "God with skin on..." is exactly what we experienced. And we loved every aspect of that first worship service. The beautiful worship music was exactly what we needed, and then we have grown to love so much more - the welcoming space, being able to be ourselves and come for what we need, and the prayers, and the sermons, have all come to be an important part of our Sunday now. But, it was Freda that drew us in. We could feel that the worship was real and her whole heart and soul was in it. We were unaware of her passing till we walked into service today and realized as we both started crying, what an impact she had already made on us. We will miss you Freda. You made just the impression you preached we should all be - "God with skin on..."
March 22, 2026
My memories of Freda all center around revolve around people, music and laughter. She was such a precious sister in Christ and I miss her. But I know that we will sing together again someday, before the throne of God and her smile will never fade.
March 21, 2026
Our hearts hold the exuberant joy and faith shared by Freda’s smile music and conversations.
March 20, 2026
Freda's radiant smile and warm heart have long been hallmarks of our time in worship at Nativity. I will always remember the sound of her voice, both spoken and sung and I will miss her physical presence, though I know she will live on in the hearts and memories of all who spent time with her.
March 20, 2026
Earworms are a curse for me at times, but I have a favorite - "All Are Welcome." Whenever I hear it, Freda is singing it.
Freda welcomed our family into Nativity. She welcomed me into the family of musicians at Nativity. And every time she saw me and hugged me, she welcomed me into her heart, into her life, into her joy. What an incredible blessing every time.
I will miss seeing, hearing, and hugging Freda, but her exuberant joy and faith will continue to buoy me.
I hope I can share a small portion of the grace I received through knowing Freda.
Freda welcomed our family into Nativity. She welcomed me into the family of musicians at Nativity. And every time she saw me and hugged me, she welcomed me into her heart, into her life, into her joy. What an incredible blessing every time.
I will miss seeing, hearing, and hugging Freda, but her exuberant joy and faith will continue to buoy me.
I hope I can share a small portion of the grace I received through knowing Freda.
March 20, 2026
We join with many who mourn the death of who was a friend and who in our minds captured and lived the Christian spirit of GRACE! Her death is a shock. She will really be missed by family, friends and Nativity.
Freda was an active member of Nativity for as long as we can remember. Among the gifts she shared was compassion, loyalty and willingness to serve. We greatly appreciated her being one of the leaders of worship. Her talent, infectious smile and care for others.
We also know her as a leader in the condo association where she and her mother lived. She served as president of the association for a number of years. Members that we know who lived in an apartment there have told us they greatly appreciated her leadership.
We are in shock! We pray for her mother and family who will dearly miss her, her many friends, for Nativity Lutheran Church who will mourn her absence, for the staff who worked closely with her and the list goes
In 2021 She went with a group that Joan and I hosted on a memorable Civil Rights Trip. We are attaching a few photographs taken during of her on the trip.
Freda was an active member of Nativity for as long as we can remember. Among the gifts she shared was compassion, loyalty and willingness to serve. We greatly appreciated her being one of the leaders of worship. Her talent, infectious smile and care for others.
We also know her as a leader in the condo association where she and her mother lived. She served as president of the association for a number of years. Members that we know who lived in an apartment there have told us they greatly appreciated her leadership.
We are in shock! We pray for her mother and family who will dearly miss her, her many friends, for Nativity Lutheran Church who will mourn her absence, for the staff who worked closely with her and the list goes
In 2021 She went with a group that Joan and I hosted on a memorable Civil Rights Trip. We are attaching a few photographs taken during of her on the trip.
March 20, 2026
I first met Freda when my Kindred '84-'85 team arrived in Cuenca, Ecuador. At that time she was the house parent at the World Mission Prayer League mission house. My teammate Susan and I lived in the mission house for the 3 months we were in Cuenca. Freda became our team transportation and guide for our programs and our adventures.
While we were in Chiclayo, Peru, my dad became ill, and Freda took my place on team for the rest of the South America tour while I returned home.
We stayed in touch as she left the mission field and began working for LYE. She sang in my wedding, adventured in the boundary waters, opened her various homes to our family when in the cities, and so much more. Her mom, siblings, and extended family and friends are in my prayers as Freda has gone HOME to Jesus.
While we were in Chiclayo, Peru, my dad became ill, and Freda took my place on team for the rest of the South America tour while I returned home.
We stayed in touch as she left the mission field and began working for LYE. She sang in my wedding, adventured in the boundary waters, opened her various homes to our family when in the cities, and so much more. Her mom, siblings, and extended family and friends are in my prayers as Freda has gone HOME to Jesus.
March 19, 2026
Freda had the voice of an angel, the smile of an angel and is now one of God’s heavenly angels. I would always sit somewhere I could watch Freda sing. Her love for God shown in the smile that lite up her beautiful face. To say that she will be missed is an understatement.
March 18, 2026
On Monday I received the news of Freda's death and I can't stop thinking about our dear Freda. I think there are countless people who think of her as a "dear friend". She loved so generously. I've known Freda since 1980 when we were in Team Training for our international experience with Lutheran Youth Encounter. We did not serve on the same team but from that time on, Freda has been a part of my life. We didn't meet up often, but I always loved the times when we did. Freda was so joyful, loving and talented. As so many others have said, she was a light in this world. We all know where that light came from--her faith in Jesus, the Light of the World. And now she is experiencing life in it's fullest with her Lord and Savior. My deepest condolences to Freda's family and all who loved her. May her memory be a blessing. I was blessed to call her "friend". Toni
March 18, 2026
When I was looking for my “new” church in 2018, a friend (not a Nativity member), said “Check out Nativity; they have such a wonderful worship leader.” I did join Nativity and my friend was right; Freda was a wonderful worship leader. But she was so much more; her presence was a little bit of heaven shining through every song she sang and everything she did.
March 18, 2026
I was also a part of the Kindred team with Freda and have enjoyed knowing her all these years.
March 18, 2026
She was a bright light in this dark world. I haven't seen her in decades, but I am very saddened by our loss.
March 17, 2026
I was part of 5-person (Lutheran Youth Encounter) team, Kindred sent to Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador some 40 years ago. Freda was the heart of the group... she inspired me to pray more fervently, learn Spanish intensely and sing on key... I am now a Canadian living in Spain (at least for the winter) and every few days I tell someone of how I learned Spanish... and I remember Freda. I had always subconsciously assumed that our paths would cross somehow. I was shocked to hear of her passing. Freda would have had a verse or a song for us. One little "corito" she taught us was: Quiero cantar una linda canción
De un hombre que me transformó...Es mi amigo Jesús,...
Solo en él encontré esa paz que busqué. .... (Only in Him do I find the peace I'm looking for.) To her family and friends, please accept my deepest sympathies. Love Hark
De un hombre que me transformó...Es mi amigo Jesús,...
Solo en él encontré esa paz que busqué. .... (Only in Him do I find the peace I'm looking for.) To her family and friends, please accept my deepest sympathies. Love Hark
March 17, 2026
I’ve been staring at this white box thinking about what to write, but honestly nothing I say will seem good enough, because you were the epitome of light and love and everything good in the world. I am absolutely gutted that you’re no longer on Earth with us, and I wish so badly I could’ve had a ‘Freda hug’ one more time.
As long as I can remember, you were THE person at church who I always looked forward to hugging and talking with, making music with, and listening to. You had the voice of an angel. When I got engaged, I remember introducing you to my fiance, and we hugged and told him ‘this is Freda, and she will sing at our wedding!” My mom chimed in and said “you should probably ask her first!” She laughed and said “of course I will!” She did, and she did it beautifully, and I will forever cherish that memory.
May your soul radiate light and love, just as you did every moment of every day. I will miss you so much.
As long as I can remember, you were THE person at church who I always looked forward to hugging and talking with, making music with, and listening to. You had the voice of an angel. When I got engaged, I remember introducing you to my fiance, and we hugged and told him ‘this is Freda, and she will sing at our wedding!” My mom chimed in and said “you should probably ask her first!” She laughed and said “of course I will!” She did, and she did it beautifully, and I will forever cherish that memory.
May your soul radiate light and love, just as you did every moment of every day. I will miss you so much.
March 17, 2026
I want to extend my condolences to Freda's family and her Nativity family from her HealthPartners family. Yes, Freda had many families. She embraced everyone with her true friendship and purity of soul. We were all so blessed to have had her in our lives. As I write this, I am listening to Freda's "In Your Hands" album. She shared it with me shortly after is was made in 2008, and it is a great gift to be able to listen to her voice again now. What joy comes through! Hers is a light that will last a long time in those of us knew and loved her.
March 17, 2026
My dear Freda, you were a singer, a musician and a strong woman of faith. You were a role model for myself and my two daughters. Your presence in worship and church events as well as the community will be greatly missed. But it was your smile that lit up a room that will be etched in my memory. Your smile emanated welcome and grace. Your smile said “You are loved and welcome here “. I can hear you singing, “All are welcome in this place”. Sing boldly in heaven Freda. I will miss your hugs.
March 17, 2026
Freda has been a blessing to me as I have sang a few times with her and she has always been so cordial even when things have been tough. Now the angels and her Dad will be welcoming her into God's arms forever. You are truly missed. RIP Freda!
March 16, 2026
I am so saddened to hear this news. I cannot even imagine a service at Nativity without Freda’s beautiful shining smile and of course her wonderful welcoming voice. Though I feel fortunate that she shared her gifts with us at Nativity for so many year’s she will be greatly missed. Our heart felt sympathy goes out to Freda’s family and friends.
March 16, 2026
During the time I’ve been with Nativity, Freda has always lifted everyone’s spirits in and out of services, we will all miss you dearly🕊️
March 16, 2026
I am struggling to imagine Nativity without Freda. She was the smile that welcomed us all into worship and the voice of the blessing we carried with us into daily life at each closing. I had the honor of singing alongside Freda many times over the years, knowing she would be there was always a comfort to the guest musicians. I greatly admired the ease at which she could sing any harmony and the soul she could “Freda-ize” into any song. She amazed me by the way she could sing life into even the most simple songs. She was a true artist. I will cherish her memory and hold my gratitude for knowing such a beautiful soul close to my heart.
Freda, until we meet “way beyond the blue,” rest easy my friend.
Freda, until we meet “way beyond the blue,” rest easy my friend.
March 16, 2026
My heart is broken. Freda brought such joy and energy to every service and I will miss this forever. She was one of those rare people that always had something positive to say and brought joy with her smile. Her voice and spirit were beautiful and we are all better for having known her.
My prayers for her Mom, siblings and family. Also prayers for the staff and musicians. Freda, thank you for blessing us all and making Nativity such a special and beautiful place to be.
My prayers for her Mom, siblings and family. Also prayers for the staff and musicians. Freda, thank you for blessing us all and making Nativity such a special and beautiful place to be.
March 16, 2026
Freda was a gift and I will mourn her absence in my life and the life of Nativity for a long, long time.
March 16, 2026
We were so shocked to hear of her passing. Freda was such a bright light at each service. She was always so kind and such a wonderful person. She will be truly missed by everyone. Our condolences to her family.
March 16, 2026
It was her welcoming voice, broad smile, warmth and demeanor that said to everyone, “You are welcome here to worship with us.” With her singing her spirit shown through and touched you at every worship service. Her voice brought joy, comfort, energy and light. It is hard to imagine worship at Nativity without Freda. We will miss her dearly.
My condolences to her family and many friends.
My condolences to her family and many friends.
March 16, 2026
Freda, I think most of us at Nativity associate you overwhelmingly with joy: your welcoming smile and the way your incredible voice could carry the entire sanctuary along with you in praise.
And what was amazing was that your joy was never superficial or faked. I remember you shared a message once about disappointments you had suffered. It can’t have been easy to lay that out in front of so many people, but it seemed like any time God showed you a way to make someone else feel less alone, you’d give whatever part of yourself that took. Your joy was a wellspring you were always willing to share.
Thank you for singing so much of the endless song for us and with us. Can’t wait until we can hear you again. In the meantime, we will keep doing our best to love courageously and live generously.
Thanks be to God.
And what was amazing was that your joy was never superficial or faked. I remember you shared a message once about disappointments you had suffered. It can’t have been easy to lay that out in front of so many people, but it seemed like any time God showed you a way to make someone else feel less alone, you’d give whatever part of yourself that took. Your joy was a wellspring you were always willing to share.
Thank you for singing so much of the endless song for us and with us. Can’t wait until we can hear you again. In the meantime, we will keep doing our best to love courageously and live generously.
Thanks be to God.
March 16, 2026
I'm shocked, stunned, and so extremely sad to know we've lost our beloved Freda.
I literally grew up with Freda. Attending Nativity throughout childhood and through high school, Freda was always the staple of worship at Nativity. I went to college but came back to Nativity for worship on breaks, always greeted by a giant 'Freda hug'. Freda was present as I was confirmed. She sung at my wedding. She sung at my sister's wedding.
She was fiercely loyal, always radiating joy, and had the most incredible voice. Her years of leading worship and leading the choir was such a gift.
She was a great friend and an amazing faith mentor to me. I am forever thankful for her guidance, love, and friendship as I navigated life.
Freda, you will be so incredibly and dearly missed. Soar in heaven with your dad, and with Gregory Theisen.
Forever loved and cherished. God's peace.
I literally grew up with Freda. Attending Nativity throughout childhood and through high school, Freda was always the staple of worship at Nativity. I went to college but came back to Nativity for worship on breaks, always greeted by a giant 'Freda hug'. Freda was present as I was confirmed. She sung at my wedding. She sung at my sister's wedding.
She was fiercely loyal, always radiating joy, and had the most incredible voice. Her years of leading worship and leading the choir was such a gift.
She was a great friend and an amazing faith mentor to me. I am forever thankful for her guidance, love, and friendship as I navigated life.
Freda, you will be so incredibly and dearly missed. Soar in heaven with your dad, and with Gregory Theisen.
Forever loved and cherished. God's peace.
March 16, 2026
This news is devastating. Freda was enormously talented with a great personality. She was one of the Nativity members on our Civil Rights Tour which is how I got to know her more personally. For that I will be forever grateful. We live close to each other so her morning walks would often involve a quick chat. I can see her now lifting up her arms to encourage all the Saints to join in song. We will dearly miss you, Freda!
March 16, 2026
Words can't express my shock and sadness that we've lost our beloved Freda. I treasure the memories of singing in the choir with her and numerous duets with her at church services. Thank you, Freda for your friendship and your selfless contributions to us at Nativity. You'll be deeply missed and remembered forever. I love you, Freda. Rest securely in God's arms for eternity.
March 16, 2026
Oh, no.
Freda, you were so alive, so energetic, so musical…you always made a point to say hi or smile when you saw me—even when you were busy—which was always.
We will all miss you very much.
Freda, you were so alive, so energetic, so musical…you always made a point to say hi or smile when you saw me—even when you were busy—which was always.
We will all miss you very much.
March 16, 2026
I cannot fathom worship at Nativity without Freda. She was always there, filling the sanctuary with her stunning voice. The love of Christ poured out to us from her joyous smile. Thank you, Freda, for sharing your love, your smile and your voice with us for so many years. We are truly blessed to have known you.
March 16, 2026
I learned of Freyda's passing and, like everyone who knew her, my heart was broken. I think Freyda must have been born with that bright smile on her face, a song on her lips, and joy in her heart which she spread to everyone she touched. So many prayers go out for Freyda's family, especially Adeline, for her friends and loved ones, as well as pastors and staff who are also shocked and grief-stricken. She was irreplaceable.
Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Life will be held at Nativity Lutheran Church in St. Anthony, Minnesota, on Saturday, April 18, at 1:30 pm. Visitation will begin at 12:30 pm.
made with 
Français
Deutsch
Nederlands
Español
Português
Magyar
Русский
繁體中文