Erna Freudenberg

Erna Martha Adelia Schmidt was born October 14, 1927 in Leaf Valley Township, MN, the daughter Fred and Mathilda (Diedrich) Schmidt. She attended country schools in Leaf Valley and later at Elmo Township near Parkers Prairie. Following her schooling Erna worked as a waitress in several cafes where she met Gilmer Freudenberg. On June 6, 1953 Erna and Gilmer were united in marriage at Zion Church in North Effington, MN. The couple made their home on the Freudenberg family farm near Garfield, MN. She loved helping Gilmer with the farming. Spending time driving the tractor and doing fieldwork was very enjoyable to Erna. She loved being outdoors. Erna also kept a large vegetable garden and loved tending her flower gardens. She also did a great deal of sewing; Erna also made wedding and prom dresses. Erna retired from farming in 2003. Erna?s church life was important to her. She was baptized at St. Paul?s Lutheran Church at West Miltona and was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie. Erna made St. James at South Effington her church where she was active for many years in the Lutheran Women?s Missionary League, which she served as treasurer. On Tuesday, January 11, 2011 Erna died at the age of eighty-three years. She is preceded in death by her parents, Fred Schmidt and Mathilda Schmidt (who died in 2009 at the age of 106); one brother, Albert Schmidt; and three sisters, Edna Skerik, Herta Bowman and Leona Schultz. Erna is survived by her husband, Gilmer Freudenberg of Garfield; three brothers, Marvin Schmidt and wife, Sandy, of Waterloo, IA, Delmer Schmidt and wife Evie, of Montevideo, MN and Delroy Schmidt and wife, Trudy, of Great Falls, MT; one sister Ardine Zimmer of Alexandria, MN; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held Saturday, January 15, 2011 at St. James Church in South Effington, MN. Reverend Dennis Angland and Reverend James Meichsner officiated. Judy Rademacher provided music. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Casket bearers included Kevin Schmidt, Leon Bowman, Tim Bowman, Tom Schmidt, David Diedrich, Daniel Diedrich and Dale Diedrich. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.