Janet L. Freyberg, 91, of Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 1:20 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, at her home.
On April 3, 1933, Janet Lee Smith was born in Valparaiso. She was the first born to Arnold E. and Susie Mae Keene Smith, growing up with a brother Gene. Janet was a direct decedent of the Mayflower as a legacy of Richard Warren. Proudly she graduated with the Class of 1952 from Valparaiso High School.
On Valentine's Day, while Bill was home on leave from the United States Marines, Janet and C. William "Bill" Freyberg were married. They shared 63 years of life's adventures. From their union came three wonderful children, Becky, Larry and Jerry. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of three more generations. Sadly, Bill passed away May 2, 2015.
Many will remember Janet at First National Bank of Rochester. She served as an officer for many years. After 17 years of service, she retired to help care for her mother. She was also a member of Grace Church of Rochester for more than seven decades. At Grace, she was a member of the Better-Together Group and assisted with VBS, Bereavement Committee and church mailings.
Being tech savvy, Janet watched Sunday morning services live and worked puzzles on her iPad. As an avid reader, she read about crime and mysteries. Janet volunteered at the library, the senior center office and delivered Meals on Wheels. Being selfless and caring for others, Janet was a devoted servant to the Lord, family, friends and neighbors. She always extended her kindness in an effort to serve others.
Left to cherish Janet's memory are daughter, Becky Hart and husband John of Mentone; two sons, Larry Freyberg of North Port, Fla., Jerry Freyberg and wife Tammy of Jackson, Mich.; four grandchildren, Carmen Christine Rockwell and husband Stephen, Shelley Eileen Hart, Bradley Allen Freyberg and wife Jackie, Mark Andrew Freyberg; six great-grandchildren, Trenten Sainer and wife Debbie, Courtney Cnudde and husband Kyle, Payten Sainer, Kora Rockwell Alexander Freyberg, Maxwell Freyberg; 2 great-great-grandchildren Everleigh Sainer, Coan Cnudde and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Janet in death are her parents, husband and a younger brother, Gene Smith.
A celebration of the life of Janet L. Freyberg will be at 12 noon Thursday, July 18, 2024, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Pastor Kurt Nichols will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m.-noon Thursday in the funeral home. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Grace Church 201 W. 7th St., Rochester, In 46975 Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Dewey and Susan Jones
July 20, 2024
Deepest Condolences to Jerry and all the family at Janet's passing. May you be comforted by loving memories and the Holy Spirit. Dewey and Susan Jones
Lori Ingram Kamp
July 16, 2024
So very sorry to hear of Janet's passing. She and my mother Mary Ruth "Moo" Ingram worked together for several years at First National Bank. Janet was a wonderful, spunky, fun person to visit with there at the bank. Please accept my condolences and know that the family is in my prayers.
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