Ruth Ann Freiburger

Ruth A. Freiburger, Hudson, Wisconsin passed away peacefully at home on October 12, 2026. She was born on October 5, 1948, in New London, Wisconsin. Her parents Arthur and Cecile Freiburger; sisters, Mary and Jean Freiburger; and her brother Peter Freiburger preceded her in death. Ruth is survived by her sisters Ellie Gillis (Paul), La Crosse and Ann Kuntz (Dan), Prescott; and her sister-in-law Eileen Freiburger, Iron River. Ruth loved being with her family, especially the annual Delta Lodge cabin vacation in Iron River. She had a special place in her heart for her nephew and nieces: Stephen Freiburger (Madeline); Laura Kotowski (Doug); Meghan Atkinson (Justin); Claire Gillis (Connor Jansen); Emily Lewandowski (Rick); and Sophia Dremann (Jake). Her grandnieces and nephews include: Milo Cohen Freiburger; Catherine and Charlotte Kotowski; Audrey, Gwen and Mila Lewandowski; Ethan Atkinson, and Rowan Jansen. Her two dogs, Kona and Bo, were appreciated companions and great support.

Ruth graduated from New London High School and then from Wisconsin State University-La Crosse with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She taught first grade in Wonder Lake, Illinois; supervised student teachers for the new National Teacher Training College in Lesotho, Southern Africa; directed Continuing Education at Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, Texas; earned her master’s degree in Adult Education; pursued her doctorate at Texas A&M University; and worked as Educational Specialist at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Ruth lived in San Antonio, Texas for 17 years, enjoyed the culture, arts and geography of Texas and her many friends. Later she moved back to Wisconsin to be closer to family. In De Pere she coordinated Continuing Education at St. Norbert College and later became the director of the Adult Nontraditional Student Office at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for nine years. She moved west to retire in Hudson and loved visiting the scenic parks along the St. Croix River, her new friends at Wintergreen Christian Community, the companionship of her sisters Ann, Ellie and Eileen as well as visits of friends from her DePere years.

A highlight of Ruth’s life was the two years that she served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Lesotho, southern Africa. She lived and worked in the rugged mountains near Semonkong and rode her horse, Khotso, to navigate the terrain. Her mud and rock hut was located along the Maletsenyane River, about 9,600 feet above sea level. The local people taught her the Sesotho language and how to live in their very rural world. She taught them how to teach and learn from their students. This African experience opened her world for travel and understanding of other cultures and ways of life.

Throughout her life Ruth enjoyed helping others, children, reading, camping, travel, nature and hanging out on any body of water, especially in the national forests of Wisconsin.

A Celebration of Life will be held at O’Connell Family Funeral Homes in Hudson, Wisconsin, on Saturday, November 21, 2026. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 12:00 p.m.

Services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hudson. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-386-3725.