Martha Christina “Tina” Freiberger, 92, went on to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 18, 2020, at home surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Tina was born on December 26, 1927 to Gust and Mary Ellen (Cooper) Peterson at Antioch, Nebraska. The names of her siblings are Frank Peterson, Margaret Nelson, George Peterson and Mary Ellen Reynolds. The family lived and worked happily alongside each other on the Gust Peterson Sandhills ranch.
Tina and her brother Frank began their education in a small, two-student school located in the Sod-house built by her dad on the land he homesteaded. She went on to attend and graduate from Alliance High School in 1944. At the time, she was the youngest to ever graduate from AHS at the age of sixteen.
Tina met John Henry Freiberger when he came to work on her parents’ ranch. They married on December 19, 1948 and had 4 children: Carolyn (Don Godwin), Peggy (John Sampson), Linda (Jim Wodke) and Don (Vic Odell). Tina’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She often boasted in her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren that number eight-six total and counting.
John and Tina never knew a stranger. Everyone was welcome at their table and in their hearts. John and Tina ranched in the Sandhills outside of Alliance until their retirement in 2010. They were also active members of the community and the First Christian Church of Alliance, Ne. Tina enjoyed being head of the kitchen crew at their church, teaching Sunday School, and organizing the “Jesus And Me” afterschool program with Marge Thompson. The “JAM” program attracted over 150 children every Wednesday after school. The kids sang songs, had Bible lessons, made crafts and enjoyed tasty cookies; all with the goal of getting to know Jesus better. Tina was also a 4-H leader for 25 years and a Board Member for the County School District 158. She loved to play piano and accordion. Her family and friends will always remember her as a wonderful Mother, homemaker, and rancher’s wife!
An informal graveside service will be held in honor of our mother, Tina Freiberger, at the Alliance Cemetery on June 26th at 2pm. There will be a viewing on June 25th at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home from 1-7pm. The family will be present at the viewing from 4-6pm. We understand that COVID-19 may limit the attendance of loved ones. In light of this, we have created a Facebook Group under the name, “Tina Freiberger Memorial,” for all those who cannot attend in person. Everyone is welcome to view and share their condolences, photos, and beloved memories of Tina in this online memorial. We will also be Live streaming the graveside service to this Facebook Group. Memorials may be given to the First Christian Church.
Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.