Obituary of Bernd Emil Gottfried Freiny
If you never met Bernd Freiny, five minutes after you did you would immediately know the four things he loved the most: his Lutheran Faith, his family, his German roots, and Michigan State Spartans.
Bernd Emil Gottfried Freiny, originally of Berlin, Germany, met his Savior on Friday; July 7, 2023, in his home with the only woman he ever loved by his side. Born December 3, 1950, he immigrated to the United States with his father, Emil and his mother, Ella at the age of 2 ½. After two years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the family settled in Marshall, Michigan where he became a United States Citizen in 1961 and a proud graduate of Marshall High School in 1969.
Upon graduation from Michigan State University, Bernd married his college sweetheart Linda (Gotts) on September 14, 1974, and they moved to Monroe soon after, where he began his forty-five year career as Manager of Sales Estimation at Detroit Stoker Company, and developed close friendships with coworkers and their families that lasted his whole life. The “Stoker Gang” became synonymous with good times, great laughs, and unbelievable memories.
Most importantly, Bernd never let work get in the way of his family time. He NEVER missed a school event or sports game, and for many years could be seen on the sidelines as a youth soccer or baseball coach for his children. He often had trouble expressing his feelings with words, but his actions spoke loud enough. Nobody was more loving and loyal to their family than Bernd Freiny. His love overflowed for his three grandchildren. Bernd spent many days with them playing board games, watching sports on TV, or teaching them German words and phrases. His favorite title of all was “Opa”.
Additionally, Bernd was an active member at Trinity Lutheran Church, a longtime league bowler, and avid card player. He loved watching and attending sporting events and spent many days in East Lansing with his family cheering on (and potentially swearing at) his beloved Spartans.
To cherish his memory, he leaves his beloved wife of nearly forty-nine years: Linda of Monroe; a daughter: Anneliese Freiny (David Gerlach) of Harrison Township; a son: Erich (Melissa) Freiny of Newport; three grandchildren: Lukas Emil, Nathan, and Kaylin; and numerous cousins in Michigan, Illinois, and Germany
Friends may gather on Thursday; July 13, 2023, from 10:00am until 12:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at Noon with Pastor Dennis Mann, Visitation Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Procession will follow to Trinity Lutheran Cemetery for burial.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church or to Lutheran Special Education Ministries. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.