Louann Freitag

Louann Joy Freitag, 69, of Breckenridge, MN, passed away, surrounded by her loving family, at Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND, on February 25, 2019. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, March 3, 2019, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge. Visitation will resume from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 4, 2019, at the United Methodist Church, Breckenridge, MN, followed immediately by the funeral service at 10 a.m. with Pastor Mark Gronseth officiating.

Louann was born in Willmar, MN, on July 30, 1949, the only daughter born to John and Selma (Marcus) Zondervan. She grew up with her five brothers in Prinsburg, MN, and graduated from high school in 1967. After graduating, she worked at several jobs throughout the region and in the early 1970s, she began working at Quick Stop Big Burger in Breckenridge. Always a dedicated employee, Louann couldn’t help but notice the night shift chef, David Freitag. The two quickly developed a connection that would continue to bring David back to town on his noon hour to have a fish burger made specifically by Louann.

Their courtship began on December 29, 1972, in Grand Forks, ND, Louann moved there to be with David and they were married exactly one year later at the United Methodist Church in Wahpeton. They continued to live in Grand Forks until 1974 when they moved to Breckenridge. Louann began working for the Daily News in the circulation department, then at Great Plains Natural Gas, Breckenridge, and later, at St. Francis Medical Center in the admissions department. During this time, Louann and David were blessed with their only child and center of their universe, Angel.

After a few years at St. Francis, she returned to work for Great Plains Natural Gas Company where she dedicated the following 28 years as a receptionist. In 2001, the family moved to rural Breckenridge where they have since resided and prior to retiring in 2014, Louann worked for Innovative Abstract in Wahpeton.

Louann had a presence that would light up a room; it was her smile, laughter, and welcoming personality. She made friends effortlessly and the friendships she developed were lifelong. She was generous with her time, energy, advice, and in so many ways, provided the foundation that offered invaluable support to those she held dear. This was especially evident in her devotion to her grandchildren; she thrived on every chance to cheer them on during sporting events. She was their greatest fan. Traveling with David and her family was also important to her and she valued each camping trip, boat ride, and cruise in the Corvette with her loved ones. She had a special interest in stain glass and created stunning works of art through this medium. Even in her sickness, Louann was the family’s rock and steady foundation of love and compassion. Her legacy will never be forgotten.

Louann is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, David Freitag; daughter, Angel (Troy) Koltes of Breckenridge, MN; grandchildren, Matthew, Mariah, Preston, and Paisley; special nephew, Andrew Zondervan of Newport News, VA; mother, Selma Zondervan of Willmar, MN; brothers, Ron Zondervan of Willmar, MN, Steve Zondervan of rural Monticello, MN, Craig Zondervan of Waite Park, MN, and Mark Zondervan of rural Willmar, MN; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Zondervan and her brother, Arlyn Zondervan.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge.