Obituary published on Legacy.com by James Funeral Home on Feb. 23, 2024.
Don Freyberg (92), a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully in
Charlotte, NC, on February 22, 2024.
Don was born to Clarence and Silvia (Mueller) Freyberg and had one sibling Joyce Freyberg, all deceased. He is survived by his wife, Janice Quinn Freyberg.
Born in
Milwaukee, WI, on February 17, 1932, Don led a remarkable life filled with dedication and adventure. During his formative years, he attended Nathan Hale High School and graduated from Marquette University. Don served his country with honor in the United States Air Force before embarking on a successful career as a Certified Public Accountant. He began his professional journey at Price Waterhouse and later became a partner at the firm of Ziegert Smaller Kominski & Freyberg, which eventually evolved into Freyberg and Hinkle, SC. Don was also a long-time member of Hales Corners Lutheran Church and Calvary Lutheran Church both in Wisconsin.
A man of diverse interests, Don was a proud member of the Blue Mound Country Club where he found solace and joy on the golf course. His love for golf took him across the globe, where he played on renowned courses in Ireland, Scotland, and the United States, cherishing each moment spent on the fairways with friends from all walks of life. He especially loved the links courses of Ireland.
In 1998, Don and Jan embarked on a new adventure, restoring an old train station in Newcastle West, County Limerick, Ireland, into their Irish residence. In 2003, He co-founded with Jan the highly successful Quinn Allen Furniture in Adare, County Limerick, importing American furniture to Ireland. After selling the furniture company in 2008, and missing family, Don and Jan returned to North Carolina in 2011.
Throughout his life, Don found joy in the company of his family, especially reveling in the accomplishments and activities of his grandchildren. Whether cheering them on at basketball games, baseball games, or football matches, Don was a vocal and enthusiastic supporter, instilling in them his love for them and their accomplishments.
In addition to his passion for golf and family, Don enjoyed various hobbies, including online poker, scratch-offs, and horse racing. Ironically, he never cared about the money he won, but only the thrill of the win. His ultimate destination for relaxation and excitement was Las Vegas, where he cherished the vibrant atmosphere and endless slot machines.
In addition to his wife Jan, Don is survived by his children Cheryl Vivian, Lauri Kim Ashland (Jim) and Donald T. Freyberg (Jane), and by Jan's children who became his own in love, Susan Anthony (Rob), Carol White (Brian), John Hettwer (Sandra), David Hettwer, and a "daughter-in-love", April Hettwer. The grandchildren are Drew, Alex, Sam. Ben, Anne (Tim), Andreas (Amy), Nikki (Heath), Devon, Keenan, Everett, Riley, Brandon, Max, Jake, Tylor, Ava, and Gracy. Also surviving are two great grandsons and two great grandchildren soon to be born. He is, also, survived by a nephew and nieces, Rick (Shonagh) Batchelder, Deb (Bob) Sinclair, and Cindy (Brian) Thomas, and their families.
A Celebration of his Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/ or
Shriners Hospital for Children https://donate.lovetotherescue.org in Don's honor.
Rest in peace, Darling, Don, Gramps, Uncle Don and dear friend. You will be dearly missed by all who knew you. Your legacy of love, laughter, and adventure, but especially your kindness will live in our hearts forever.
James Funeral Home is assisting the family, online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.