Dr. Marian F. Freberg
December 11, 1938-August 30, 2024
Dr. Marian F. Freberg, age 85, passed away in Papillion, NE, on August 30, 2024, after a long illness. She was born on December 11, 1938, in Hutchinson, MN, the daughter of Henry and Frances (Janke) Radtke.
Raised in Brownton, MN, Marian’s lifetime love for learning and teaching others began early. In elementary school, she was moved ahead two grades, and Marian graduated from high school at age 16 as valedictorian of her class. She studied nursing for two years in the Minneapolis area after high school graduation.
Marian married Gerald Freberg in 1957, and the two began their life together as farmers before leaving Minnesota to search for other opportunities. They spent time living in Casper, Wyoming, and Greeley, Colorado, before settling in Omaha in 1965. While living in Greeley, she and Gerry learned to fly single-engine airplanes. Gerry continued as a charter pilot and flight instructor for nearly two decades while Marian went back to school to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. In the years that followed, she added to her educational achievements with a master’s degree in school counseling and, finally, a Doctorate of Education.
After beginning her teaching career at St. Philip Neri and St. Gerald’s Catholic schools, Marian taught in the Omaha Public School District for over 30 years, primarily at Catlin and Ponca Elementary Schools. She was dedicated and provided her students with unique educational experiences that kept them excited about and engaged in learning. One of the highlights of her career was spending a year in Australia teaching in an elementary school. This experience became the basis for Marian’s doctoral thesis. After her retirement, she continued teaching for several years as a substitute at Castelar Elementary. Marian and Gerry also volunteered for several years with AARP, helping retirees with topics such as the Homestead Exemption and Medicare Part D.
One of Marian’s true joys in life was to travel and see the world. In addition to their time in Australia, she and Gerry traveled around the world, visiting dozens of countries and all fifty states. They took ocean cruises in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Caribbean, as well as river cruises in Europe. They were frequently joined by their children, and took international trips with their grandchildren to Ireland, England, and Australia.
In America, Marian and Gerry especially enjoyed spending time in Arizona and Wyoming. Closer to home, they enjoyed attending College World Series games in Omaha and cheering for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
From a young age, Marian enjoyed playing the piano and singing. An avid lifelong reader of mystery novels and stories, she also loved watching British murder mysteries on PBS.
Marian enjoyed spending time with friends and family, and was always very generous in sharing her time, resources, observations, and advice. She loved to peruse the want ads looking for jobs and other opportunities for her children … even long after they had all settled into productive careers! Visits from her grandchildren and great grandchildren elicited the same type of (playful) advice from Marian.
Marian was pre-deceased by her parents; an infant brother, Roger; her husband, Gerald. She is survived by her children: Michael (Cynthia) Freberg, Sherrills Ford, NC; Mary (Stephen) Roth, Omaha; and Mitzi (David) Phalen, Mechanicsville, MD; grandchildren: Westin Freberg, Sherrills Ford; Whitney Freberg, Holly Springs, NC; Joseph (Maura) Roth, Roswell, GA; Caroline Roth (Justin Wert), Omaha; Caitlin (Seth) Fillioe, Avon Lake, OH; and Margaret Phalen and Virginia Phalen, both of Arlington, VA; along with great-grandchildren: Addison and Presley Roth of Roswell, and Colin Fillioe of Avon Lake.
VISITATION: Tuesday September 24 from 6:00-7:00PM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha with a SERVICE at 7:00PM.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE and INTERMENT: Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 9:00AM at Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Road, Omaha.
The family suggests memorials to Iowa Public Television.
To view a live broadcast of the Funeral Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
1 Condolence
Dr Frebergwas a phenomenal teacher. I had her as a 6th grade teacher at Ponca in the 90s and loved her. She found a way to reach all kids, including the challenging ones and never made you feel like you were holding anyone up or slowing anyone down. She also didn’t play favorites. She had a great sense of humor and a mind like a steel trap. You couldn’t get much past her. If all teachers were like Dr Freberg the world would be a better place.
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