She began her professional career at 17 years old teaching school in rural Plymouth, NE. After raising her family she returned to school, graduating with honors from Kearney State College in 1978, and earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Maril taught fourth grade for Hastings public schools at Alcott Elementary.
Throughout her life she was involved in various church & volunteer activities, including choir, playing organ, camp counselor, Matt Talbot Kitchen, Stephen Ministry, special needs ministry, and several leadership positions at First Congregational, UCC in Hastings and First Plymouth, UCC in Lincoln.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Gordon; sons Gregory (Diane) Freese, Todd (Sandra) Freese, and Ross (Sarah) Freese; grandchildren Laura Freese, Megan (Zach) Verkamp, Ethan Freese, Travis (Marcy) Freese, Bethany (Jeremy) Schmidt, Andrew Freese, Hailey (Jacob) Herrmann, and Kyle Freese; and 7 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Carolyn and her husband, Dale Schuerman; and infant brother Darrel.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7th, 2026, at First Plymouth, UCC (2000 D St, Lincoln, NE. 68502).
Memorials to First Plymouth, UCC, or Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach.