Obituary of John Edward Freberg
Mr. John Edward “Whitey” Freberg, age 91, resident of Lobelville, TN, passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at Maury Regional Medical Center in Tennessee. Born on October 27, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois, Whitey was the son of the late Axel Freberg and Alice De Zurik Freberg.
Whitey served his country in the United States Air Force during World War II and as a Staff Sergeant during the Korean War. During his service he was awarded the following honors: Army Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal With Japan Clasp, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal With Four Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and United Nations Service Medal. He worked as a phone network technician for Illinois Bell for thirty years in Joliet, IL, before retiring in 1983. Whitey was a member of the VFW 2199 for many years and served as President in 1970. He was also a member of the Honor Color Guard for Military Rites for Veterans, serving as Post Commander from 1970-1971. In 1990, Whitey served as President of Associated Clubs of Will County, Illinois. He enjoyed traveling, especially to Air Force reunions. Whitey was an avid bowler and previously played on bowling leagues. He was an outdoorsman who, in his younger years, loved being on the river, fishing and boating.
He is survived by his daughter, Lori (George) O’Kain of Columbia, TN; grandchildren, John Lee (Claire) O’Kain of Murfreesboro, TN, Joanne O’Kain (Bill Tate) of Smyrna, TN, Jackie (Ben) McIlwain of Hattiesburg, MS; great grandchild, Liam McIlwain; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Annabelle (nee Knudtson) Freberg and sisters, Joyce Mausehund and Janice Kandalec.
A Memorial Gathering for John Edward “Whitey” Freberg will be held on Friday, August 23, 2019, where family will be receiving friends on from 10:00 a.m. until the Memorial Service begins at 12:30 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds, Joliet. Inurnment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where full Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of the United States Air Force and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
