Gerald D. Freeburg, 87, passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 7, 2024, after a courageous battle with Leukemia with his loving wife and family by his side. He was born in Dalton, NE on June 11, 1937 to the late Wayne and Wilda Freeburg. He was a 1955 graduate of Tracey High School, Tracy, CA where he played football, was a member of student council, the Future Farmers of America and voted the cutest boy in the senior class.

Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy were he proudly served his country for 24 years as an Air Traffic Controller. He retired from last duty station in 1979 as Naval liaison between the navy and Federal Aviation Administration Headquarters, Fort Worth, TX.

Following his Naval retirement in 1979 he went to work for the FAA, at Will Rogers's tower as an IT specialist until he retired, again, in 2005. He was extremely proud of his career and enjoyed both Air Traffic control and High School reunions with the many friendships formed throughout his lifetime.

Outside of Gerald's career he volunteered at the local community center coaching little league football players; in the spring he ran the local baseball team concession stand. Each weekend he and Joyce could be found supervising Teen Club events. Gerald had a passion for golf, no matter the weather, weekends cheering on his favorite football team and lastly monthly visits to the casino. He spent two terms as President of The U.S. Navy Ground Approach/Air Traffic Control Association and was a member of the VFW. He and Joyce were married for 58 years and continued to travel throughout their retirement sharing a full life of love and adventure.

He was preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Wilda; brother Keith Freeburg; daughter Bunny Turner and her son Chris Turner and daughter Sherri Graham.

He is survived by his wife Joyce of the home; Bunny's children Corry and Clint of Crossville, TN;

son John Freeburg of OKC, OK and children J.R., Jennifer and Michael; daughter Diana Freeburg-Schneder (Rusty) of Norman OK and children Ryan, Megan and Austin; son Steven of Georgetown, TX, and children Craig and Chris; son Bill Freeburg (Geri Beth) of McAlester, OK and children Autumn and Grace; sister Yvonne Wallis of McAlester, OK; He leaves behind his seven great grandchildren who he adored.