Norma Freeberg

Norma Lee Freeberg, age 80, passed on due to cancer on July 28, 2024 at Generations at Neighbors Nursing Home. She was born on March 15, 1944 in Freeport, daughter of Glenn and Mabel (Gruis) Anderberg. She grew up in Seward and German Valley, attending school and helping at the family’s hardware store. Norma was a dedicated student, receiving her Bachelor’s in Nursing from the University of Dubuque and her Master’s in Nursing from the University of Iowa. While participating with the Rockford skiing club, she met the love of her life Curt Freeberg, and they married on April 10, 1980. Together they built a beautiful life together for the next 44 years. A passionate educator, she taught nursing for 31 years at Rock Valley College (where she won faculty of the year), as well as teaching for two years at NIU. She was an active member of the United Church of Byron for many years, volunteering wherever she was needed as well as faithfully teaching adult Sunday school. She was a member of the Lion’s Club and served on the curriculum committee for the Center of Learning and Retirement. After retirement she was a volunteer for CASA, helping many children and families through a variety of challenges. She enjoyed traveling with husband and family, especially overseas, going to the theatre, and attending book club. More than anything Norma will be remembered for her amazing smile and being a good listener who always made others feel heard, encouraged, and loved. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister Ruth Moen. She is survived and missed by her husband, Curt of Byron; children, Lindsay (Pete Schramm) Freeberg of Madison, WI and Ryan Freeberg of Chicago; sisters, Myrna Wubbena of Peoria and Gwen (Fritz) Vietmeier of Winnebago; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Visitation will be held on Friday August 9, 2024 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Byron. A memorial service will be held on August 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM at The United Church of Byron with Pastor Tyler Spellious officiating. A second visitation will take place prior to the service from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. Memorials may be directed to the local CASA or RVC to help fund scholarships for students.