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Don Claus Freberg
Sep 25, 1937 - Jul 12, 2022

Don Claus Freberg, Prairie Village, KS, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2022 at age 84 from Alzheimer’s. His celebration of life will be held at Village Presbyterian Church, Prairie Village, Kansas at 3:00 p.m., Friday, August 19, 2022. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made in Don’s honor to the Village Presbyterian Church Music Department or the Village Presbyterian Church Food Pantry.

Don was born in Oakland, NE, September 25, 1937 to Claus August Freberg and Elsie Minnie Graver Freberg.  He was baptized at the Swaburg - Elim Lutheran Church near Uehling, NE.   Lyons, Nebraska was his childhood home where he graduated from high school and attended the Memorial Methodist Church.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1959. Don was an active member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and UNL Men's Glee Club.

Don was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army through the UNL ROTC program and served 2 ½ years on the staff of the Command and General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. He received the Army Commendation Medal at the end of his post at Ft. Leavenworth.  He was later honorably discharged as a Captain from the U.S. Army Reserve.

Following active military duty, Don began a 33-year career with Hallmark Cards. While in his first sales territory, Chicago, IL, he began working toward a MBA at Northwestern University.  After transferring to Hallmark Cards world headquarters in Kansas City, Don completed his MBA at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.  He continued academic studies in accounting and earned his CPA certificate in 1981.

In 1967, Don met Beverley Johnette Tjart of Baxter Springs, KS and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Don said love was instantaneous and he “wooed” her back to Prairie Village from Minneapolis, MN, where she had started an advanced degree in nursing. They were married March 23, 1968. Don believed his greatest success was his unwavering devotion to his wife and family.

The Freberg’s became active members of Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, Kansas. Don loved to sing in the church choirs.  He served as a shepherd deacon, deacon, moderator of the deacons, elder, and trustee. As his two sons progressed through their school years, Don assisted their Boy Scout troop as Scoutmaster, committee chairman and a participant in their high adventure expeditions to the Philmont Scout Ranch and Canadian boundary waters.

Don enjoyed exploring and traveling.  He loved taking his family to National Parks in the U.S. and Canada. The family particularly loved their regular vacations to The YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, CO.  Don and Bev treasured frequent opportunities to tour and sing with the Village Presbyterian Church Choir throughout Europe. He also found great joy and satisfaction in the genealogical research of his Danish and Swedish family history. His love of the outdoors inspired his hobbies: snow skiing, mountain hiking, canoeing and exploring new areas.  As a true son of Nebraska, Don was a faithful fan of University of Nebraska Cornhusker athletics. In the 1980s, on the rare occasion the Cornhuskers were not playing a football game on TV, he would sit in his car in the driveway or do chores in the front yard because the car radio had the best reception of KFAB in Omaha. Don loved celebrating “Go Big Red” and their accomplishments.

Don was a loyal, faithful friend who displayed a quick wit and a welcoming smile endearing him to those he met.  He relished being a jokester, had an infectious laugh and signature mustache. Everyone described him as a true gentleman. Don was a fervent supporter of his family. Whether he was coaching his sons, leading in Boy Scouts, or just a fan, Don was active and present in their lives.  His six lucky grandchildren loved their Papa Don and were blessed recipients of his intentional love and devotion. He was quick to jump at an opportunity to spend time with them, introduce them to new experiences and support their hobbies and extracurricular activities.  Papa Don inspired his grandchildren to love singing and playing music. He was encouraging, compassionate, gentle, warm-hearted and joyful.  Most of all Don was a loving husband, father, papa, and friend.

Don is survived by his wife of 54 years, Beverley, son Eric Claus, daughter-in-law Tarra LeAnn, and grandsons Dane Christian, Dylan Robert, Drew Claus and granddaughter Lauren Emily of Overland Park, KS and son Christian Emerson, daughter-in-law Beverly Christian, and granddaughters Hardin Beverly and Emerson Campbell of Dallas, TX.  He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Eldon Lloyd Freberg  (Mary Frances) and Robert Dale Freberg (Mary Louise).  He is survived by Eldon’s children, nieces Mary Ellen Hulstein (Randy), and Joan Marie Smith (Terry), and nephew Thomas Christian Freberg (Lora), of Omaha, NE, and niece Kathleen Ann Young (Mike) of Conway, AR.

Don’s family extends sincere gratitude and appreciation to the wonderful staff at Prairie Elder Day Stay, Prairie Elder Residential Care and Ascend Hospice in Overland Park, Kansas.  Your tenderness and sensitivity will be forever cherished.  Thank you for comforting and loving our family with your caring insights, knowledge and emotional support.
Send Condolences
Additional Service:
Celebration of Life
Location:
Village Presbyterian Church
Address:
6641 Mission Rd.
City:
Prairie Village
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66208
Date of Service:
Aug 19, 2022
Time of Service:
3:00 pm
Additional Information:
No Additional Information Added
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map

Condolences

The Hancock Clan Jul 21, 2022

Proof of how incredibly awesome he was can be seen by looking at the family he raised. We’re so blessed to have known him.

cheryl walter Jul 21, 2022

Relation on Tarra's side of the family ,Nampa ,Idaho

So very sorry for your loss!!!

Chris “Noodle” Nicholson Jul 22, 2022

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Thoughts and prayers for all! Found memories of Don he will be missed!

Laura Willoughby Jul 22, 2022

Caregiver/friend ,Shawnee ,Kansas

I have let Bev know how I feel about Don many many times. I just wanted to let their family know how much I thought of him. I was a caregiver for a very short time but in that time I became very fond of him and Bev. Even when he couldn’t put a sentence together, he made me laugh, be inspired. Your parents had a beautiful relationship and had so much love for each other and their kids and grandchildren. I am humbled, always, for people letting me into their home and to take care of their very special loved one. I love Don and Bev. They have been such a blessing to me and God bless you with many many memories. God bless you all. With love, Laura Willoughby

The Souder Family Jul 22, 2022

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Papa Don was "papa" to us all! He was always smiling and happy to see anyone. Don always had a kind word or funny quip that found the humor in any situation. He was connected to our community at Village Church and always wanted the best for everyone. Quiet, yet insightful. Practical, yet creative. Kind, and always loving. Papa Don was at every game, concert, event, meeting, whatever was asked. He was every kind of leader at Village Church and I'm sure he was at the same beyond Village. He LOVED his grandchildren and his in-laws! His presence was noticeable not only physically but spiritually and intentionally. He KNEW each of his grandkids and celebrated them. That may sound obvious but, it isn't until you feel it about a person and Don was it. He and Bev are the couple that I aspire to be. They just "go together" and it all makes sense without any thought. I think about Bev often and send love to her . . . I would also pray for strength, but she is already one of the strongest women I know! To Eric, Tara, Lauren, Drew, Dylan & Dane, we love you and we know you feel the blessing that you received from Papa throughout your life and his. Sending much love and prayers.

Patsy Nelson Jul 22, 2022

Friend ,Albuquerque ,New Mexico

I send my sincerest condolences to Bev, my nursing school roommate, and the entire family on Don's passing. He was truly a remarkable man and made a difference in this world.

Kay Heley Jul 24, 2022

Co-worker ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Dear Bev, I was sorry to read about your husband’s illness and death. Though you and Don had many years of wonderful travel and family time, I suspect that these last few years have been challenging and difficult. Please rest up and take care of yourself. I am holding you close to my heart….

Mary Engel Jul 24, 2022

Village Handbell Choir Director ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Dear Bev. It's so hard losing your spouse. Just remember all the wonderful happy times. Will be thinking of you. Mary Engel

Sharon McBride Jul 24, 2022

School Nurse Friend ,Merriam ,Kansas

Thanking the family for publishing The obituary and sharing your loss. I know many of you shared in caring for Don along with Beverly. He is happy once again.

Priscilla H Wilson Jul 24, 2022

friend ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

Dear Bev and family, Your husband, Don, was a special person...loving and caring in all situations. He was loved...and will be missed. You were blessed to have such a wonderful guy as part of your life. Priscilla H Wilson

Diane Thompson Jul 25, 2022

friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I had the pleasure of knowing Don & Beverly for a number of years and Don was one of the nicest people I've meet. He & Beverly were always so cheerful & happy. I know he will be missed by many many people. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Donna Borden Jul 25, 2022

Co-worker of Eric ,Chicago ,Illinois

On behalf of me and my family, our deepest sympathy to the entire Freberg family. Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sincerely, Van & Donna Borden

RiverPoint & SynapSiS Team Jul 25, 2022

Work Family ,Chicago ,Illinois

Dear Eric & Entire Freberg Family, On behalf of all of us, our deepest condolences and prayers to your family. Sincerely, Mastan Reddy Paidela

Leo Jul 27, 2022

Friend ,Kansas city ,Kansas

Don would always come into my job with a new story to tell me we both would laugh and have a good time he is a nice person who would always say hello to me he will be miss my friend .

Betty Cunningham Jul 28, 2022

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Bev my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sending love and hugs to you Betty

Gary Brouillette Aug 08, 2022

Friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

Don was a gentleman & good Christian of the highest order. He was a delight to be around & had a wonderful sense of humor. We shared several stories of our mutually beloved Huskers! He will be greatly missed. Gary

Jane A Bird Aug 14, 2022

Parent and Teacher at Tomahawk Elementary ,Overland Park, KS ,Kansas

Dear Bev and Family, We are so sorry to learn of Don's passing. He sounds like he was a joy to be around and loved his family so dearly. Jane, Phil, Andrea, Sheri and Kelley Bird

Hardin Freberg Sep 19, 2022

Granddaughter ,Pinehurst ,North Carolina

Papa Don was a great person, the kind of person who you couldn’t help but smile when you were around them. He was the best grandfather I could ever ask for. I love you Nana.