Janet Freyberg

Janet L. Freyberg, 91, of Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 1:20 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, at her home.

On April 3, 1933, Janet Lee Smith was born in Valparaiso. She was the first born to Arnold E. and Susie Mae Keene Smith and grew up with a brother, Gene. Janet was a direct decedent of the Mayflower as a legacy of Richard Warren. Proudly, she graduated with the Class of 1952 from Valparaiso High School.

On Valentine’s Day, while Bill was home on leave from the United States Marines, Janet and C. William “Bill” Freyberg were married. They shared 63 years of life’s adventures. From their union came three wonderful children, Becky, Larry and Jerry. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of three more generations. Sadly, Bill passed away of May 2, 2015.

Many will remember Janet at First National Bank of Rochester. She served as an officer for many years. After 17 years of service, she retired to help care for her mother. She was also a member of Grace Church of Rochester for more than seven decades. At Grace, she was a member of the Better-Together Group and assisted with vacation Bible school, Bereavement Committee and church mailings.

Being tech savvy, Janet watched Sunday morning services live and worked puzzles on her iPad. As an avid reader, she read about crime and mysteries. Janet volunteered at the library, the senior center office and delivered Meals on Wheels. Being selfless and caring for others, Janet was a devoted servant to the Lord, family, friends and neighbors. She always extended her kindness in an effort to serve others.

Left to cherish Janet’s memory are her daughter, Becky Hart, and her husband, John, of Mentone; two sons, Larry Freyberg, of North Port, Fla., and Jerry Freyberg and his wife, Tammy, of Jackson, Mich.; four grandchildren, Carmen Christine Rockwell and husband Stephen, Shelley Eileen Hart, Bradley Allen Freyberg and wife Jackie, and Mark Andrew Freyberg; six great-grandchildren, Trenten Sainer and wife Debbie, Courtney Cnudde and husband Kyle, Payten Sainer, Kora Rockwell Alexander Freyberg and Maxwell Freyberg; two great-great-grandchildren, Everleigh Sainer and Coan Cnudde; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Janet in death were her parents; husband; and a younger brother, Gene Smith.

A celebration of the life of Janet L. Freyberg will be at noon Thursday, July 18, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Pastor Kurt Nichols will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. until noon on Thursday in the funeral home. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Grace Church, 201 W. 7th St., Rochester, IN 46975. Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at goodfamilyfh.com.