Karen Freberg

Karen Freberg, 73, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2011 at The Villages of Jackson County. Karen is survived by her husband, Dana D. Freberg and daughter, Lisa Kay Freberg. Her son, Kent Donald Freberg preceded her in death on January 19, 1995. She is also survived by her brother, Evert Robert Elliott and his family, and her sister, Elizabeth Gail Elliott Mengel and her family along with numerous sister and brother in laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Karen was born in Independence, Missouri, on December 17, 1937, to Evert A. Elliott and Wilma Frances Criley Elliott. She was a member of Community of Christ for 65 years, Karen went to school at Columbian Elementary School, Junior High School and William Chrisman High School. In High School she was part of the Debate Team, President of the Pep Club and she was the first young women to become Student Body President. She attended Graceland University and later graduated from the College of Mount Saint Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio. Karen married Dana Donald Freberg, June 22, 1958, at the Stone Church and they lived in Ohio for 40 years prior to relocating back to Independence for retirement. She was active in the Middletown, Ohio Congregation of Community of Christ. She was part of the Women's Group, taught Church School Classes and formed a Skylark and Oriole Program for girls 7 to 12 years of age. Later she began a Camp for girls this age at Camp Bountiful in southeast Ohio and it was called SKYORCA. Karen was Pastor for 12 years in the Loveland, OH Congregation, Community of Christ and later participated on the Pastorate of the Colonial Hills Community of Christ (Blue Springs, MO). Also, she was President of the Ministerial Association for 13 years combined. She was part of the Women's Ministries Commission for 10 years and was a guest minister for numerous Women's Retreats around the United States and Canada. Also, she had an amazing opportunity to speak at the Ordination of President, Prophet Wallace B. Smith. She was also active in Church Women United holding local, state and national positions. Karen was a very loving wife and mother, very creative and she always liked to be involved in church and a variety of activities including the Laurel Club, Temple Ambassadors, Adult Retreat Committee. Her family will miss her so very much and are so thankful for her. Visiting will be held at Speaks Funeral Home on 39th Street in Independence from 6-8 pm on Friday January 14, 2011. The Memorial Service will be on Saturday at 2:00pm at the Colonial Hills Congregation of Community of Christ, 3539 SW MO 7 Highway, Blue Springs, MO 64015. Instead of flowers, contributions may be given to the Colonial Hills Congregation Activity Center for Youth Building Fund or Out Reach International (129 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64050).