8/27/1955 – 11/11/2024
Lawrence
Mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend Carolyn (Carol) Ann Freiburger, 69, moved on from this world on November 11, 2024, from stroke-related complications. She had suffered a debilitating stroke in April of 2023, followed by a series of declining health challenges over the past 18 months. Carol’s family surrounded her during her last moments, singing to her, and letting her know that she would always be loved. While their hearts mourn her passing, her family takes comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering.
Carol was born in Aurora, MO, on August 27, 1955, one of 10 children. She survived a traumatic childhood, graduated high school, and married Michael Freiburger at the age of 17. They resided in Monett, MO, and raised five children. Baking homemade apple pies, picking blackberries for cobbler, sunbathing in the summer, typing, reading true crime novels, creating family picture collages, painting her nails in bright colors, and blasting John Cougar Mellencamp vinyls were some of her favorite things to do while raising a family.
Carol moved to Grand Prairie, TX in 2006, eager for a change of scenery and new start after a rough patch following her divorce. She thrived at her job at Schlotzsky’s Deli, and took great pride in never missing a day of work in her seven year tenure. Her much younger colleagues, along with her management, adored her. She had many regular customers that would make a point to come in just to visit with her.
Carol was quick to tell anyone that her greatest accomplishments were her children: Melissa Freiburger (Matt) of Lawrence, KS; Bridgett Freiburger of Fort Worth, TX; Nate Freiburger (Magali) of Portland, OR; Katrina Freiburger of Monett, MO; and Caleb Freiburger. Carol also took great pride in her eight grandchildren: Dallas Freiburger, Mikayla Freiburger, Luna Stephens, Goldy Stephens, Ofelia Rabasa, Piers Freiburger, Chance Rausch and Lupe Rabasa. She was absolutely thrilled with the arrival of her great-grandchild Ayden Young in 2021.
Carol continued to endear those around her after her stroke, befriending staff and residents first at Fort Worth Wellness Center in Fort Worth, TX, and then at Pioneer Ridge in Lawrence, KS, where she had resided since April of 2024. Her last 18 months were unfortunately wrought with pain, discomfort, and sadness but she continued to find comfort in small things, as she had her whole life. Coffee (black and strong!), eating all the sweets, getting visits from family and work friends, having her nails done, music, audio books, and being goofy with her kids. Carol always voiced her gratitude to the staff and her family no matter how uncomfortable she may have been. Her eldest children grew very close to her during this time and were able to help provide her companionship, love, and comfort. A private gathering will be held in 2025 to celebrate Carol’s life. The family requests that any donations in her honor be made to Senior Wheels, a program of the Senior Resource Center of Douglas County.
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