Lula Lind of Garden Prairie, Illinois, born August 8, 1940, in Missouri to Delores and Kenneth Freeman, passed away May 4, 2026, in Rockford, Illinois.

Lula was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and wife who cherished her family above all else. She found her greatest joy in spending time with loved ones and tending to her garden.

She is survived by her partner of 24 years, Fred Steurer; her children, Curtis Nuckles, Jacklene Moeler, Douglas Freeman, Tony Kilman, and Jessie Kilman; her sisters, Carol Raymond and Mary (Ronald) Popham; as well as many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her late husband, Ervin Lind; her daughter, Jodi Kilman; her brothers, Philip, Terry, Harry, Archie, Joseph, Robert, Michael, and Patrick; and her sister, Suzanne.

Lula was a devoted member of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Belvidere. She dedicated 35 years of her life working at the Garden Prairie Café, where she was surely everyone’s favorite waitress. She also had an extensive history of catering events with the Moose Lodge, the VFW, the American Legion, the YMCA, and the Rotary Club.

She enjoyed fishing, bowling, gardening, and was a natural storyteller, stubborn in the best way, funny, and full of heart. She loved watching classic shows and had a passion for true crime.

Cremation rites have been accorded with Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services in Belvidere, Illinois. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.