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Eric D. Freudigman
Eric D. Freudigman
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Eric Freudigman Obituary
Eric D. Died peacefully at home on July 1 at age 82. Beloved husband of Susan (Sersen). Loving father of Karen, Eric K. (Carie), Kurt (Mona), Kenneth (Emily), and Aaron (Ami) Freudigman. Cherished brother of Anita Freudigman and the late Otto(Marty) Freudigman, Margo (Jerry) Jourdan, Gertrude "Trudi" (Charles) Palyj, and Elizabeth "Betty" (Buddy) Hawkins. Also survived by 5 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents Otto and Liesel (Vohrer) Freudigman. Born in Detroit, Eric was a 1953 graduate of Pershing HS, and received his B.A. and M.A. in Music from Wayne State University. He proudly served as a member of the Michigan National Guard. He spent 41 years as an educator, teaching music and mathematics at Cody HS, Cooley HS, and Burt ES in Detroit Public Schools, as well as Cranbrook-Kingswood School in Bloomfield Hills. He was a member and director of the Kenneth Jewell Chorale (which won a Spirit of Detroit award in 1976), and served as Director of Choruses of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as well as Detroit Lutheran Singers. He also served as a panelist for the National Endowment of the Arts in Washington, DC. In addition, he performed at countless events and locations as a pianist in solo and group settings. A Celebration of Life for Eric will be held on August 27 at Marriott's Dearborn Inn from 4-8 pm. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Detroit Lutheran Singers, Wayne State Department of Music, or Seasons Hospice (envelopes will also be available at the celebration).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Pattie Resovsky
July 18, 2021
Remembering Eric fondly as he played the piano with such enthusiasm and passion.
March 26, 2020
He was a wonderful music teacher.
June (Jackson) Etlinger
August 27, 2019
One of the best and most remembered teachers ever! Know that he touched so many lives! RIP Mr. Freudigman!
Lois Howard
October 20, 2017
He Was The Best Music Teacher Ever I Still Remember A Lot Of The Folk Tale Songs That He Taught Us He Will Be Greatly Miss. Sending My Condolences To His Family
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Kimberly Benton
August 31, 2017
I attended Burt Elementary school in the early 80's. Still to this day his wonderful spirit and teachings are carried with me. Some of my fondest school memories include moments in his class. Thank you Mr. Freudigman for the music and what you taught us about ourselves. I'll never forget you! R.I.P.❤ With Love Kimberly Benton
Danielle Gunter-Coleman
August 31, 2017
My sincerest condolences to the family of the best music teacher. He took his time with us and helped us to sing beautifully. A candle in my childhood has been extinguished. There were so many of us. You took the time to let each one of us shine. Rest, til we meet again.
Carla Gray
August 28, 2017
I will never forget you Mr. Freudigman. You were one of my favorite teachers at Burt Elementary School (Class of 92') You also encouraged me to sing in the Glee Club (as shy as I was). I even taught my children "10 Little Angels" a song we all loved singing with you. May you continue to rest in peace and I will continue to pray for the Freudigman Family.
Cindy/Jim Brower-McBurney
August 25, 2017
Susan you are in our prayers and thoughts. Eric was a wonderful person who loved his family and his music. He will live though you and your family with his memories. He is with the Lord now and is cared for and not in any pain. You were a loving wife who cared for him until the end of his journey. The Lord I know is very happy that you took such great care of His child.
Grace and Peace be multiplied on you! Cindy and Jim Mc Burney
Stefan Kukurugya
August 17, 2017
Sue- thank you for your persistently upbeat attitude; you are an inspiration. If I'm lucky, I'll see you guys Aug 27. If not, please know I'm with you in spirit. You have the right idea. Eric would want you to celebrate!
Love, Stefan
Pattie Resovsky
August 14, 2017
Sue, I'm not sure how to let you know Tim and I will be attending the celebration of Eric's life on aug 27.
Kay Bruns
August 5, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
C L
July 31, 2017
Please accept my condolences on your loss. May your memories comfort your heart; and God help your family during this time of sorrow. Isa.41:13
July 28, 2017
It was an honor to sing under the direction of Eric Freudigman for many years (I think about 16). He was so talented - a treasure of a director and also a human being! He will be sorely missed. So sorry, Susan and family. Rest well, Eric!
Carmen (and Gip) Moore
North Pole, Alaska
Josiah Tazelaar
July 27, 2017
What a joy it was to sing for Eric! First, it was the honor of being in the Detroit Symphony Chorus. I met future friends there, and Eric was our inspiration. When the Chorus disbanded, I just had to continue singing with Eric, and thus joined the Lutheran Singers for many years. The one constant was his great leadership and good humor, and the friendships he fostered wherever he directed. We loved our groups because we loved him. God rest his soul. He shall be in our hearts forever!
Josiah Tazelaar, Royal Oak
Douglas Craw
July 27, 2017
My condolences to Susan and the family. I had the distinct pleasure of singing under Eric for 13 years with the DLS (1978-1991). Those were wonderful years and very pleasant memories. Eric had a way of getting the most out of his singers and the finished product always seemed to be more than the combined voices were capable of producing.
He will be greatly missed on the Detroit musical scene.
Alona Moon
July 26, 2017
I was listening, just yesterday to a recording the KJC singing "Komm Jesu Komm" at Orchestra Hall under Eric's direction and and thinking of him and the blessing of making such beautiful music under his direction. My deepest condolences to Susan and all the family. I feel blessed to have known him.
Maria Cimarelli
July 25, 2017
Eric taught me so much about choral music and choral singing during his years as conductor of the Kenneth Jewell Chorale. He was a fine conductor and channeled the spirit of the late Dr. Kenneth Jewell. His musical legacy lives on in the many singers who were privileged to work under him.
Dennis Curry
July 25, 2017
A celebration of a legendary chapter in the Detroit choral world. I've known Eric since 1973, when I joined the KJC. And I'm sure the angels are now all singing Bach cantatas.
Quoting Bach's St John Passion ... Ruht wohl, ihr heiligen Gebeine, Die ich nun weiter nicht beweine, Ruht wohl und bringt auch mich zur Ruh! Das Grab, so euch bestimmet ist und ferner keine not umschliet, macht mir den Himmel auf und schliet die Hölle zu. (Rest well, you blessed limbs, now I will no longer mourn you, rest well and bring me also to peace! The grave that is allotted to you and encloses no further suffering, opens heaven for me and closes off Hell.)
Cathy King
July 25, 2017
Susan,
I sent Aaron a message when I first learned of Eric's death. I basically knew him as Aaron's dad and a musician. Knew he was talented and now I have learned of his many accomplishments and how well liked he was (not surprising knowing Aaron). You and Eric were such loyal attendees at all those Quiz Bowl games and tournaments. Supportive of Aaron, the team, and Ed and I as coaches. He was so laid-back which fit him as a multi-talented musician. This is indeed a sad time for your entire family. Also know that many wonderful stories and much laughter are helping during this time. My condolences. Wish I was going to be in Michigan for the memorial service but I live in PA now and will be on a Rhine River cruise.
Mrs. Matt Johnson
July 25, 2017
I have attended many of the concerts by the Detroit Lutheran Singers when Eric was the Director. And still today, I experience the joy of their singing. Eric's ability to gently nudge their talents in many different fashions sparked a continued interest to keep attending. He was a gentle soul/spirit, and I am among the many who admire his credentials. Eric once said to me I should be able to sing all of the songs as I was there so often. He had a wonderful smile and with that smile, he agreed that one never tires of music that stirs our spirts and feeds our souls. I will miss this giant of a man. It's time to rest now, Eric. Soon, the sadness and sorrows will turn to warm lasting memories. It is like an ebb and a flow, is it not, the people who come into and who go out of our lives. Remembering you always.
July 24, 2017
May God comfort your family during this time.
July 24, 2017
For many years, Black Tie Entertainment, a company which I created and co-owned, booked Eric as a solo pianist or lead keyboard in a small combo. We were lucky to get him. There was nobody better. Eric was a gentleman; classy, professional, fair and well-regarded. We were always proud to recommend him to clients for their big occasions. He had vast experience in the Detroit music world and a huge group of musician friends who respected and loved him. He was always open to a musical challenge and never let us down. I'm sorry he's gone, as he brought so much to the Detroit music scene.
Heidi Flynn Jelasic
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