On April 24, 1956, Gary was born to Pete and Jean Freighberger, joining 4 older brothers.  Growing up in school he was always involved in sports, liking baseball the best of all.  Helping his father with the farming after he graduated high school is what he like most, so between farming with his dad, and working for his neighbors he gained a passion for the farming practices.  He had various jobs helping others farm, going on harvest with the Norton & Hutches crews led to his love for combines, trucks, tractors and all other equipment.  He helped do over the road trucking, silage hauling, custom combining and anything else to keep afloat.  After getting some land to farm for himself he still helped his Mom and Dad also.  Losing his dad in 1994 he gained more responsibility as he was faithful to look after his mother.  Fixing breakfast most mornings for her and evening meals, he would stop and check on her.  If he couldn't be there he would always let someone else know so he was sure she was taken care of at all times.  He never complained of any of it.  Later when his mother quit driving, you could ask what he was doing and he would tell you he had to get groceries, meals and whatever she needed from town.  The brothers were so grateful for his concerns and love.

As the brothers' families grew and little nieces and nephews began coming into the picture he had to adjust his life a little bit as he didn't have a lot of patience with little ones (too much single life).   As they grew older, taller and bigger he started getting involved with them more and more.  The brothers could see a big change in him, and then the great nieces and nephews started arriving which led to a major change.  It was a delight to watch him around them as he enjoyed watching them grow, having a lot of laughs with them.

The next greatest thing about Gary was his love for his family and friends.  He never wanted to accept any help because of his independence, but always offering help to everyone else.  Anytime anyone needed something he was quick to offer.  As most of his close friends knew he wasn't a fast driver.  Some said they would have to stop and watch to see if his pickup was moving for fear he was broke down, but that is what he cherished most – driving slow, checking his and others crops and farming practices.  He always wanted to try any new thing to help raise a crop and if it didn't work he would just figure another way to try, never giving up.  He always said if he could just get by he would be satisfied.  Getting rich was not his goal in life.  He was a superb leather craftsman, doing beautiful work for family members and others that he loved.  His greatest passion was to smoke food on his new smoker and make sure that all the meat was done just right, and forever wanted you to just try it as he would say I have more at the house.  But when you knew him as well as we do you will find out real fast that his family and trusted friends were his main goal in life and he will be missed by all of us.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Jean Freighberger, sister-in-law Vanda Freiberger and his oldest brother Richard (Dick) Freiberger.  Survivors include brothers, Robert (Arla) of Grove, Oklahoma, Alan of Vilas, Jim (Mari Lee) also of Vilas.  He is also survived by nephews, Christopher, Jason (Billie), John (Heidi),  Jeremiah (Lisa); nieces Joanna, Linda and Jessica (Cody) Anderson; several great-nephews and great-nieces, many cousins, very special friends, Glen and Ruth LaVeque, numerous friends, including a special young lady, Emmalie Byrn.

Donations in memory of Gary may be made to the Walsh Ambulance Service.