Rodney J. (Rod) Freiburg, 70 of North Buena Vista, Iowa and formerly of Kellogg, Minnesota, passed away March 2, 2022, at Veterans Hospital in Iowa City. Rod was born December 7, 1951 at UI Hospital in Iowa City, to Aloysius (Al) Freiburg and Loretta Kloser Freiburg. Rod graduated from Wabasha, Minnesota high school in 1970. He joined the US Navy in September of 1975 serving on the USS Monticello and was honorably discharged in September of 1981.

Rod grew up in Kellogg, Minnesota but lived most of his life in Buenie and was known by his family and friends as Dewfletcher. He enjoyed driving semi for Jack Link Trucking in Dyersville, Iowa for many years taking his dog, Bud, along for companionship.

Survivors include a brother Gary (Joyce) Freiburg, Lake City, MN and nieces and nephews: Jeff Miller, Julie Pressler, Joni Kuchan, Dan Bissen, Tim Cumisky, David Freiburg, Kathleen Martindale, Randy Morrison, Lisa Morrison. Rod is also survived by many Kloser cousins and Freiburg relatives in Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents Loretta and Al, sisters Janet (Art) Tietjen, Donna (Dick) Miller and Lori Rehm, and a brother Tom Freiburg, all of Minnesota.

Rod’s family would like to thank his friends and neighbors who helped make it possible for him to live his final years in Buenie as he wished. Most importantly we are grateful to Rod’s Buenie family, the Breitbachs, Pam and Alan as well as Mary and Dave. He was known as their ‘Ray of Sunshine’ at Breitbach’s Garage. It was through their kindness and generosity that Rod was able to stay in Buenie. Also thanks to those who helped to make Ed’s (Breitbach) trailer handicapped accessible and provided assistance in other ways. They include Fritz Hefel and crew for building the awesome wheelchair ramp, Kristen and Travis of Mel’s Carpet Outlet for flooring and installation, Shari Hefel who served as his barber, Paul Ludovissy for helping with transportation for VA appointments, the Holy Cross North Buena Vista Fire Department for their assistance when needed and the Veterans Hospital for his care.

His cremation was provided by the US Cremation Society in New Hampton. Military services and burial will take place in the Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery in North Buena Vista on Saturday, April 23, at 10:00 am.