Mr Donald Ray Freeburg

Donald “Don” Ray Freeburg, at the age 84 of Plattsmouth, NE, peacefully passed away on July 24th 2022 at Heritage Ridge Memory Care in Bellevue, NE. Don was born on August 22, 1937 to Herbert Anderson Freeburg and Elthea Gertrude (Mincer) Freeburg in Spencer, IA. He was raised and schooled in Plattsmouth and graduated from Plattsmouth High School with the class of 1955. Don met the love of his life, Janice Elaine Wiles, in high school. They were later united in marriage on June 30, 1957 at Liberty United Methodist Church in Mynard, NE. To this union, three children were born, Tad, Tim, and Tammy. Don attended and graduated from Tarkio Missouri College in 1962, where he participated in track and football and was President of the Letterman’s Club during his senior year. After graduation, Don returned to PHS where he taught all the upper level science classes. He served as the science department head and was responsible for implementing practical life science for special needs students in addition to advanced sciences for college bound high school students. Don received a National Science Foundation Grant and graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences in 1968. He later received a National Science Foundation grant to UNO. He received a Driver’s Education endorsement form Kearney State and taught driver’s education during the summer. He also taught anatomy/physiology at Metro Tech during the summer. While at PHS, he was the freshman girls’ basketball coach for two years and head girls’ basketball coach for seven years. He was the head girls’ golf coach and assistant boys’ and girls’ track coach. In 1992, Don was recognized for 25 years of coaching from the Nebraska Coaches Association. Don received his Administrative Endorsement from UNO in 1993 and later became a part-time Athletic Director at PHS. He received the Plattsmouth Education Association Outstanding Educator Award in 1998. He retired in 1998 after teaching and coaching for 35 years and then served on the Plattsmouth Community Schools Board of Education for many years. After retirement, Don enjoyed woodworking, golf, mowing the acreages, coffee with his group at Mom’s Cafe and tending to his landscaped yard. Don is survived by his two sons: Dr. Tad Freeburg and wife Lisa of Omaha, NE; Tim Freeburg of Plattsmouth, NE; his daughter Tammy Freeburg of Plattsmouth, NE; three grandchildren: Connor Freeburg of Omaha, NE; Jill Eggert and her husband Alex of Plattsmouth, NE; Julia Freeburg of Plattsmouth, NE; great granddaughters: Elliot & Emery Eggert; sister in law: Jean Wiles of Plattsmouth, NE; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents: Herbert and Elthea Freeburg; his wife: Janice Freeburg; his brother: DeWayne Freeburg; his brother in law: Alan Wiles; his sister in law: Nadine Freeburg; and his nephew: Alan Wiles. Visitations will be held from 1:00 to 8:00 PM with the family greeting relatives and friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Friday July 29, 2022 at Roby Funeral Home in Plattsmouth. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, July 30, 2022 at the Plattsmouth High School Auditorium with Pastor Belinda Davidson officiating. Pallbearers will be Bill Allgeier, Charlie Caverzagie, Alex Eggert, Donnie Freeburg, Connor Freeburg, Craig Wiles, Jeff Wiles, and Roger Wiles. His final resting place will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Plattsmouth. Memorials made to the family will be distributed to an Alzheimer’s Association and a fund created to support underprivileged student athletes.

Mr Donald Ray Freeburg

August 22, 1937 - July 24, 2022