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Henri Freyburger Obituary
Henri Freyburger was born on August 24, 1927, in Colmar, the Alsace area of France. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francoise Josephine Bachert and Henri Freyburger, a sister, a brother, and his very special friend, Lois Bellm.
Henri was a French citizen, but became a second-class German citizen, after the French lost to the Germans in 1940. Early in the war he was able to study music in Berlin, but was later forced into the German army at the age of 16 in 1944. He was captured and sent to the Prisoner of War camp in Siberia. With his release at the age of 18, he volunteered for the French Army in 1946. He was sent back to Germany, and then in 1947 he was sent to Vietnam. He received many decorations for his service.
Henri came to the United States in 1953 to be with his sister. He received his Certificate of Naturalization in 1959. He also maintained his French citizenship.
Dr. Freyburger received a BA degree from Friends University in 1960, a Master's Degree from the University of Arkansas in 1962, and his Doctoral degree from the Sorbonne in Paris in 1969.
He began his teaching career at Pittsburg State University, when he was appointed instructor in German in 1962. He was appointed Assistant Professor in 1966 and Associate Professor and Chair in the Department of Foreign Languages in 1968 and Professor in 1971. He was retired and designated chair and Professor Emeritus in 1989. He enjoyed being a member of the Kiwanis Club and playing piano at their meetings.
He is survived by Joanne Stanford (Clarke) of Aiken, SC, both formerly of Pittsburg, KS; , Alison Mueller (Todd) of Bishop, GA and Andrea Selman (Steven) of Blacklick, OH; Gracelyn Mae and Elton Henri Mueller and Steven Charles Selman, Jr.
A Celebration of Life Memorial will be scheduled later for this summer in Pittsburg, KS. The family suggests memorials to the Foreign Language Department or the Ernie Williamson Music Scholarship at PSU, 1701 Broadway St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Henri Freyburger
Sponsored by Brenner Mortuary Funeral & Cremation Services.
February 11, 2016
I was a student of Dr. Freyburger from 1972 thru 1975 at Pitt State. I liked him a lot as a teacher. I had no idea what an exciting life he had had as a young man.
Rick Gallion
Jefferson, Maine
November 29, 2015
I count myself fortunate to have participated in the seven week summer study program in Europe which was headed up by Dr. Freyburger. Many new and fascinating experiences presented themselves during that trip. Whenever something struck me as strange, Dr. Freyburger would explain it as "a cultural thing". He always had a fun and comical way of explaining situations. He also had a very healthy dose of patience with the student's many faux pas.
Henri, thank you for sharing your knowledge, your passion and your good cheer. May God bless you.
Eric Sole '84
Barcelona, Spain
Roxanne Walker
February 22, 2015
Henri was a wonderful neighbor and one of the most interesting persons I have been lucky to know. He shared many stories of his past experiences, and was a real delight to speak with. RIP Henri, you contributed so much to the Pittsburg community.
Nancy Brooker
February 21, 2015
Henri you will be missed. I have many fond memories of our shared Easters at my home and your love of the finer things in life. Rest in peace, you will never be forgotten...
Anna Shepherd
February 20, 2015
Henri was always so funny and always had a smile! I enjoyed him coming to see us at the office when I was still in Pittsburg. Has been a long time since I have seen him, but I will always remember him fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
brent castagno
February 18, 2015
Henry was a wonderful person"" always full of energy and determination"" he will always be remembered""
February 17, 2015
Dr. Henri Freyburger was a family friend and a colleague of my dad Dr. V. P. Pierce. His intelligence was legendary and his kindness was known by all.
February 16, 2015
Dr. Freyburger was a truly delightful gentleman. My condolences to his family on their loss. Sincerely, Susan Hiner Albright
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