Mary Freyberg, age 66, passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2019, at her home in Prior Lake, MN.
A Celebration of Life will be on Friday, October 18, at 7 pm, with a time of gathering starting at 4 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake.
Mary was born on August 4, 1953 in Stevens Point, WI, the third of four children to Robert and Joan (Gristock) Lange. She grew up in Rocky River, OH attending Catholic school and graduated from Magnificat High School in 1971. She attended the University of Cincinnati earning her English Teaching Degree in 1975. After raising her children, Mary went back to school and received a master’s degree in Law Librarianship from the University of North Texas while working full time as the Scott County Law Librarian.
As the Scott County Law Librarian, Mary was passionate about her job and put her heart and soul into assisting families.
Mary loved being a wife, mother and grandma (Gaga). She met the love of her life, Mark Freyberg, while they both worked at Cedar Point Amusement Park. Mark and Mary were married on August 16, 1975, at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church in Fairview Park, OH. They relocated to Minnesota in 1979, due to Mark’s job transfer to Valleyfair in Shakopee, MN. In 1988, they purchased a home in Prior Lake, where they raised their children, Jaron, Jessica and Jonathan.
Family was most important to Mary, she was the heart of the family. She enjoyed boating, visiting family and friends. Mary was an amazing cook and baker. She loved spending time with her grandchildren in the kitchen, decorating her home, entertaining, her dogs, her granddogs and life on the lake. Through the years, Mary had a close-knit group of girlfriends and a special connection with the Doves. All these friends supported each other during times of joy and sadness.
Mary was a caring, devoted and loving wife, mother and grandma. She will remain in the hearts of those who loved her the most, husband, Mark; children, Jaron (Tina) Freyberg, Jessica Freyberg, Jonathan Freyberg; grandchildren, Jackson, Gracie, Garrett, Maxx, Jaslyn, Zachary; brothers, Bob (Sherry) Lange, Bill (Jana) Lange, Tom (Susan) Lange; other relatives and friends.
There to greet Mary in heaven are her parents, Robert and Joan Lange.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly served and cared for the Freyberg family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
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Elisabeth Kent
I am so sorry for the loss of Mary. She was a beautiful soul who will be missed very much. Prayers and comfort during this difficult time.
The Freyberg Family
Beth, Thanks so much for the kind words and prayers.
Mark
Brenda Wolfe
Mary was a genuinely good-hearted person. The loss of Mary makes the world a lesser place. She will be missed.
The Freyberg Family
Brenda, Thanks for your kind words. We agree.
Mark
Ingrid Dixon
Mark and family, I am so sorry for your loss and for our loss of Mary. She was the first person I saw every morning and several times during the day. I will miss her friendship and her everyday. She was a light to everyone that walked into our library.
The Freyberg Family
Ingrid, Mary was so fond of you. She spoke of you often.
Thank you, Mark
Jayne A Valley
My heart breaks for the world ‘s loss of this wonderful soul, Mary. She touched so many lives with her caring way, sweet laugh and big smile. I miss her already. Prayers for her husband, family and all who are grieving.
The Freyberg Family
Jayne, Thanks for your kind words and prayers. They are much appreciated.
Mark
Karen Kreuser
Mark and family- sending my heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Mary and I shared many laughs and good times planning and attending the Scott County night out employee parties. We had great chats from time to time about our families and she will always have a special place in my heart, I am so sorry I’ll miss her service. Hugs – Karen Kreuser
Barbara Schwarze
So, so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She was a very special person, I loved her positive attitude. I will sorely miss our chats.
You have my sincere sympathy.
The Freyberg Family
Karen, I remember how much Mary enjoyed planning and attending the parties, but more importantly, the people she planned those parties with.
Thanks, Mark
The Freyberg Family
Barb, Thanks for your kind words and sympathy.
Mark
Julie Svenningsen
Everyone loved Mary! She was funny and full of life! I enjoyed spending time around her so very much! She was the kind of person you sought out because of her kindness and enthusiasm. She expressed such great joy for life , for those she passionately helped at the Law Library and of course her family. It not even a month ago that she hosted the yearly end of summer reading party at her house for the library. I am so thankful to have gotten the time to spend with her that night, telling stories and laughing together. My sympathy and prayers go out to Mark and the rest of the Freyberg and Lange families. May you be comforted by your wonderful memories and time spent together.
The Freyberg Family
Julie, Thanks for your kind words here and your card. Mary so loved hosting those library parties. We appreciate the sympathy and prayers.
Mark
Paula Duggan Vraa
Mark and family: I am so sorry for your loss. Mary was an invaluable resource for pro se litigants at the Scott County courts. I had the privilege to have a long lunch with her about six months ago, and she was bursting with pride and love for her children and her husband. She told story after story about her children and their travels and experiences. It was clear to me that she lived life to the fullest and did not hold anything back. What a legacy!! We will miss her at the Courts!
The Freyberg Family
Paula, Thank you for your kind words. Mark
Darrin, Julie & Owin Giles
We are so very Sorry for the Loss of Sweet Mary, such a Dear Lady! A True Beauty inside and out, always smiling and filled with positivity! She will be deeply missed. Sending Love and Prayers from our Family to yours. Darrin, Julie & Owin Giles
Mark Uphoff
Mark and family, I am very sorry for your loss. I know she has always been a great friend for Sandra base on all the stories I have heard over the years. She created a bright light in the room where ever she went.
You have my sympathy.
Brian Huffman
Mary was a good-hearted spirit. She had an infectious laugh and the ability to make you feel comfortable in her presence. She cared deeply for the people she assisted as a law librarian. Her colleagues and the people she assisted have lost a great advocate and friend. She will be greatly missed.
Deborah King
My Deepest Condolences to all of you that were close in Mary’s life. I met Mary at Bunco and enjoyed every time that she was there. She had a great personality, a big heart and many stories to tell that kept people laughing. She will be missed by many as I know she touched many hearts. She is truly a soul to remember and cherish.
Love and Light Shine Upon You,
Debbie King
Laura
Dear Mark and Mary’s family, I am so sorry for your loss of your wonderful wife, Mom, and Grandmother. I loved spending time with Mary, in the library, where we shared countless hours sharing laughs and stories about your family and mine. We knew about each other’s grandchildren, kids and spouses, trading stories and the goofy experiences we shared in commen. She loved you all so much! I will miss her immeasurably, as you will. Much love, Laura Valentine.
Ruthie Pierson
I met Mary at work and she was simply one of the finest people I’ve ever met. I didn’t get a chance to speak with her often, but when I did, she always spoke of how much she enjoyed her family and friends. We also shared a love of dogs. Many prayers go out to her family, friends and coworkers. She will be missed immensely!
Jessica
Thank you for your kind works. The Freyberg family
Judy Kinzel
Dear Mark, Jaron, Jessica, and Jonathon,
Dick and my hearts break for you. We know how much you loved her. She was a very special person with a dynamite personality. I have many fond memories of Mary, always a lot of fun. Please accept our deepest
Sympathy. Judy and Dick Kinzel
Julie Seymour
The Freybergs:
I am so very sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. I have volunteered at the Scott County Self Help Center for years and mostly enjoyed talking with Mary about “life” during my volunteering. Mary was so positive when she received her diagnosis and shared with me that she had a wonderful family to rely on. My condolences to everyone, during this time of sadness. God bless you!
Tara Ferguson Lopez
I was so saddened to hear this news. I remember Mary bubbly and full of life. The Freyberg home was always a welcoming home. Mark, Jessica, Jaron and Jonathon— wishing you peace and comfort and sending love to you all.
Tara Ferguson Lopez
Judy Gardner
Mark and family. I’m shocked and so saddened by Mary’s passing. She was a bright sparkling loving light in our world. Please feel the love and hugs from Ohio and know we hold you in prayer.
Love, Judy and Chris Gardner
Jill Gristock-Walters
So very sorry for your loss. Mary was a wonderful and caring person. Love and prayers to all of the family.
Ninoska
There are no words. As one of the interpreters in Shakopee I got to spend time with Mary at the library while waiting for cases. She was a ray of sunshine & I was sorry when I no longer needed to go to Shakopee. My deepest condolences.
John Fugazzi
I only recently became aware of Mary’s passing via Facebook two days ago. Mary was my cousin and I remember fun times as children with her and her brothers. Later on we still saw each other now and then, usually with the Daley family. I am deeply saddened by this news and offer my condolences to the whole family.
Brian Larson
Mary was such a wonderful and lovely person. I got to know her at the courthouse over the years and her genuine care for others was a rare thing to see. Her work at the Law Library was so helpful to those in need and she always seemed to have the right answer for them. She would always listen to your stories and would be excited to share stories of her family. She loved her family so much. She would tell stories of them and always seemed to have a smile and glow about her when sharing. We had so many pleasant conversations. Mary you will be deeply missed. Prayers to the Freyberg family.
Phil Turner
Mary Freyberg was my student and a ray of sunshine in our Minnesota Library Program. You could always count on her for a laugh and a boost to morale. She will be missed.
Phil Turner
Professor Emeritus
College of Information
University of North Texas
JEAN HAGEDORN
I just saw her notice in the Magnificat Magazine now, a year later! My heart goes out to you & your family. I am Jean, her grade school & high school friend. I was the Upbeat Dancer. We played Barbies together…I remember her dog & parents (very warm). We spoke on the phone before the 2016 Mags reunion; I called asking her if she would come. She did not let up that she was ill?? Know that I have an Angel to guide me here until we meet again. Love to you all!
kasse Barta
Certainly A loss for this world my heart goes out to all family and friends, of a wonderful helpful happy woman. My apologies i dont know any of you but your loved one is someone who helped me in ways i have eternal gratitude. My many hours in my visits over the decade I lived in Shakopee, Mary was the kindest sweatiest “stranger” Ive ever had the pleasure to encounter. I’m overwhelmed with tears at this moment to just find that we have lost such a beautiful human being that always went above and beyond to assist and gave the best hugs when you really needed one . Im sorry for your loss , I can only assume by the magic in her eyes she will never be forgotten. As She has crossed my mind many times . all that were close to her know how truly lucky they are to have had her in their lives and her grand children ever so lucky to have an angel as smart as her to look out for them .God bless
Vanessa Joy Birdsey
Mark and all, I just heard about Mary. The last time I saw her at the Law Library she seemed to be doing so well. I have known Mary and the kids since Jaron and Jessica attended my story times (and Jonathan was an escape artist from his car seat). She was such an amazing person. When she traveled to the various daycares to perform her magical stories, she was so creative, and later as the Law Librarian she again used her creative and expansive skills to make our Law Library stand out. Our world is a little less colorful without Mary. I am so sorry for your loss and for our loss as well.