Norman H. Freiberger Obituary (1927 - 2016)

MOUNT VERNON ~ Norman H. Freiberger, 89, of Mt. Vernon, Maine, transitioned peacefully from earth to heaven on May 11, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. A long-time baritone singer for his church choir, he is a great addition to the heavenly chorus. Born in Texarkana, Arkansas on April 13, 1927, to George D. and Fay (Pickett) Freiberger, Norm enjoyed a happy childhood with his brother, the late G. Daris Freiberger. A veteran of World War II, he served on the Aleutian Island of Adak as a member of the Army Air Corps. A long data processing career began during his tour in the military. Norm married Emma Mae McDonald on August 14, 1953, in Texarkana. He borrowed a car and drove his bride to Pikes Peak for a honeymoon. The two enjoyed over 62 years of marriage, one which exemplified courage, sacrifice and love. Their bond testifies to the faithfulness of God and His tender mercy. Norm preferred to be called N.H. in young adulthood, but some just called him Freiberger. After his tour in the military, he became a civil servant for the U.S. Government and served in the country of Panama, then Red River Arsenal in Texarkana, Texas. In 1955, he accepted a position with International Paper Company and moved with his wife and young son to Springhill, Louisiana. IP provided him with the resources to rear his growing family and maintain a gentleman’s farm. The family remained in Springhill for 24 years until the mill closed in 1979. Norm relocated to the Woodlands Division of the company 2000 miles away in Augusta, Maine. Norm and Emma resided in Winthrop, Maine for about two years, then made the 2000 mile move back to the new IP mill in Mansfield, Louisiana. He retired on July 1, 1985, with 30 years of service in a job he often compared to that of a professional athlete. He loved it so much and considered it FUN! Still young and vibrant after his successful career in the burgeoning field of computer technology, Norm, accepted a new challenge; one he thoroughly enjoyed. Only 8 days after retiring, he and his beautiful wife packed up his truck and camper, and joined a group of volunteers with Campers on Missions to build a log church in a small mining community in Nevada. He worked as a carpenter and Emma cooked meals to feed the crew. The State of Maine beckoned; he and Emma felt God calling them back to the Northeast; as faithful followers, they complied. Mt. Vernon became home on a snowy November day in 1985. Norm, Dad, N.H., Norman, Mr. Freiberger, Freiberger, Grandpa, he answered to all these names. What we called him did not define him; why we called him did. God gave him the ability to do ANYTHING. One to never stay idle for long, Norm helped anyone who asked. He honed his skills as a master wood craftsman and created hundreds of pieces of fine furniture for family, friends and organizations. Norm volunteered countless hours during his 31 year retirement, including 10 years as a tax preparer with VITA. The ideal neighbor, Norm lent support with his time, talents and equipment. He LOVED his John Deere tractor, but he also shared it. Norm and Emma had three children; the late Brad Freiberger, Kathy Childress of Waldoboro, Maine and Jenifer Harrington of Manchester, Maine. Norm considered his son-in-law, Brian Harrington and special neighbor, Ed Voynik, his sons. His beloved grandsons, Philip Harrington currently of Newport News, VA and Alex Harrington currently of Los Angeles, CA, brought out the best in him and the best in them. That bond is eternal. Friends and family will gather to celebrate Norm’s life at 11:00 am, Saturday, May 21, 2016, at Penney Memorial United Baptist Church, Augusta, Maine; the Reverend Tom DuBois officiating. The family wishes to thank the extraordinary staff of CMMC for the compassionate care they provided. No words can express our appreciation of the second floor staff of CNAs, medical technicians, window washers, maintenance crew, clergy, RNs, PAs, Nurse Practitioners and Physicians. You treated Norm with dignity and made a profound and lasting influence on our lives. Special attendants Abby and Shelby ministered to us as well as to Norm. Dot, Kathy, Matt and Betty, you helped make it possible for Emma to give Norm a happy, comfortable life in his own home. Thank you for everything. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to support the efforts of young people pursuing a career in nursing. Any donation, to the charity of your choice, to further the education of these special individuals is appreciated. Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop. Memories, condolences, photos, and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com