Jerry Wayne Freeburne 10-11-23

Jerry Wayne Freeburne, 82, of Blackfoot, ID, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, surrounded by family.
Jerry was born Sept. 13, 1940, in Newton, KS, to LaReta W. Sharp and Marshall (Jack) Freeburne. He was raised in Newton, Kansas and graduated from Newton High School in 1958. He was active in the school choir, football, and wrestling. He attended the First Christian Church and was active in their Boy Scout Troop, obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
While attending school at Bethel College in Newton, Kansas, Jerry married Bette Ann Standish. They were later divorced. During his time at Bethel, Jerry helped form a Civil Defense Rescue Team and served as its Commander until 1960. Jerry transferred to the University of Denver and graduated with a B.A. in Sociology and Psychology in 1964, and earned his Master’s Degree in Social Work in 1967. While at Denver University, Jerry married the love of his life, Myrtle (Marty) Funk, and they had three children, Jennifer, Chris, and Andrea.
Jerry’s career was in Social Work. He worked for the Children’s Division at Fort Logan Mental Health Center in Denver, CO, Vancouver General Hospital in British Columbia, and the Family Guidance Center in Lamar, CO. In 1976 the family moved to Aberdeen, ID, and Jerry worked for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare until his retirement in 2002. He held several positions including Clinician, Mental Health Act Team Supervisor, and Child Protection Worker. Jerry had a heart for helping people and truly enjoyed the many friends and colleagues he had during his career.
Jerry’s other passion was volunteering for fire and ambulance crews in Colorado, Aberdeen, American Falls, and Swan Valley. He also volunteered for Bingham County, both as a Reserve Officer and with Search and Rescue.
Jerry was a member of the First Mennonite Church in Aberdeen, Idaho where he was active with music and served as a Deacon. After moving to Blackfoot, Idaho, in 2018, he attended Jason Lee United Methodist Church and gained a second church family.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Marshall (Jack) Freeburne, mother LaReta, and brother Ted. He is survived by his wife, Marty, daughter Jennifer (Damon) Peck, son Chris (Becca), daughter Andrea (Darren) Brassington, grandchildren Hunter, Colton, Caiden, Jared, Gabrielle, Ethan, Caimbrya, Brianna, and cousin Bruce Day.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to the Aberdeen Fire Department, Blackfoot Senior Citizens Center, or a charity of your choosing.
An open house was held at Jason Lee United Methodist Church, 168 South University Avenue, Blackfoot, on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. A memorial service was held at First Mennonite Church, 381 West Washington Avenue, Aberdeen, on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at 2 p.m. with visitation at 1 p.m.
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