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Cuban of the Month - Pam and Larry "Stretch" Freymiller
Cuban Freymiller 4503
Pam and Larry "Stretch" Freymiller - photo by Dena Harris

CUBA CITY— Pam and Larry “Stretch” Freymiller have a long history of volunteerism in Cuba City.
“I like to do things for other people,” Stretch said. “I don’t want any credit for it.”

Pam first lived in Cuba City when she was 11. She graduated from Cuba City High School then moved to Madison. Pam and Stretch had known each other for many years before they started dating; his dad’s brother married her mother’s sister.

They got married and moved to Cuba City in 1974, when Stretch started working at John Deere.

The couple volunteers for Meals on Wheels and keeps an eye on their 94-year-old neighbor.

“I hope someday someone would help me out like I help others,” Stretch said.

Stretch has served the community in a variety of capacities:

- Cole Acres Golf Course Board

- Park and Recreation Board

- Coach for little league, peewee and youth basketball

- Help with summer recreation programs

- Fair and Picnic Committee for over 20 years

- Member of the Cuba City Area Rescue Squad for six years

- Lions Club member for 37 years

“He is always doing something for the Lions Club,” Pam said.

He has assisted with the cookouts by cutting the onions and purchasing the supplies. He also helps with the Leo Club projects. Over the years he has helped with some of the Cuba City Lions Club’s major projects, including creating the shelter at Veterans Park and getting a second ball diamond at Splinter Park. He also helped with the 2010 project for the new bathrooms and picnic shelter at Lions Park.

“It makes you feel good to give back,” Stretch said.

Stretch has a hard time telling people ‘no.’ He helps with whatever is needed.

Pam is known for her baking for Cuba City Lioness fundraisers. She and her sister, Kay McWilliams, are in charge of the bake sale fundraiser.

“I love to bake and it makes me feel good to know there is enough for the event,” Pam said.

Pam also helps out at the Lioness Christmas Project.

Approximately 25 years ago they ran a bar on Main Street, Welkum Inn, for eight years.

Stretch worked in the electrical/heating field for 55 years. Pam eventually retired from an office assistant position at Blue Cross.

They have three children: Lori Freymiller of Cuba City, Jim Freymiller of Edmond, Okla., and Tina Tharp of Burlington, Iowa. They also have three grandsons.

The couple expressed interest in the proposed presidential museum for Cuba City.

“It could bring more people in,” Pam said. “It could be an asset for Cuba City.”

Stretch was worried about keeping people in Cuba City, stating that it is difficult for a single person or a couple to make a decent living in the community.

“Things have got to change, I’m just not sure how to go about it,” Stretch said.

The couple said they love living in Cuba City because it is clean and there isn’t much crime. They appreciate the businesses that have invested in giving a facelift to Main Street.

Editor's Note: This column will be a special addition to the Tri-County Press on a monthly basis. Look for each installment near the end of the month. All volunteers are recomended for the article by Mayor Tom Gile. If you have ideas for future volunteers in the community to be recognized, contact Gile at 608-744-3203.