Joyce Freyberg

“Nobody else held me so tight

Or, made me feel so right.

No one’s eyes shined so bright with love

As my Mom, who is now above”

Your Hug Meant the World, By Tamsen Butler

Our mother, Joyce Freyberg passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 5, 2022. Born October 31, 1933 in Milwaukee, WI, she graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1951. She met and married our father there, moving to several cities in IN, WI and IL before settling in Indianapolis in 1963. There she raised her family and made her home.

Over the years, she was employed by several businesses, among them, Fanny May Candies, Jewel Foods, USA Fund, Meijer, and Fiscal Tax Services. Work for her was not only financially-based, but also an opportunity for the friendships. Hard working until she retired from her last job at Fiscal Tax Services in early 2022 after 20 years. 

Family was important to her. She hosted many family gatherings over the years, carrying on traditions of making German or Wisconsin recipes from scratch. The love of family and food continued until her last days. She engaged in volunteer efforts, including as Boy Scout Den Mother, Brownie/Girl Scout Troop Leader, Elementary School Class Mother, and Women of the Moose Chapter #11, (Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #17) where she held several officer roles including Senior Regent in 2009-2010.

She was an avid fan of The Indianapolis 500, attending the festivities from 1965 – 1990 in person, and via radio or television thereafter. Growing up as a Green Bay Packer fan, the Indianapolis Colts became her team when they arrived in her city. She watched them faithfully, even performing greeter/security services for the stadium’s suites for many years. A member of Christ Lutheran Church of Irvington for more than 30 years, she later became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and actively supported their school programs.

Fighting arthritis, she remained active until her last years. She could always spur up the energy for a meal with friends or family, or a trip to the casinos – the slot machines were in her blood. Mom especially cherished time spent with her growing family via video chat or in-person. She lovingly became known as GG, for Great Grandma, to five (soon to be six) active great-grandchildren. Oh, how special she made us all feel.  

She is predeceased by her parents, Clarence and Sylvia Freyberg; her ex-husband C. Gordon Batchelder, and her special friend, Donald Sandlin. She is survived by her children, Rick Batchelder (Shonagh), Deb Sinclair (Bob), Cindy Thomas (Brian), her brother, Donald (Jan), her four Grandchildren (Iain Batchelder, William Sinclair, Amanda Musselwhite & Claire Batchelder), her Great-Grandchildren and many Nieces and Nephews.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on October 29, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Indianapolis, IN. A private, family interment service will be held on October 31, 2022, which would have been her 89th birthday.