Benjamin Berthold Freitag

Benjamin Berthold Freitag passed away unexpectedly on Christmas Day 2022 in Regina, SK at the age of 74.

Ben was born on August 11, 1948 in Oxbow, Saskatchewan growing up with his family on the Meda-Vu Farm in Alameda with his German immigrant parents, Berthold and Martha. Ben and his brother Ted were actively involved in the local and national agriculture community and helped their father raise purebred shorthorn cattle. There were several competitions and many agricultural and livestock medals awarded in addition to chaperoning their prized show cattle on the annual long train journey to the Toronto Royal Winter Fair. Their efforts on the farm did not go unnoticed and Meda-Vu Farm earned a Saskatchewan Master Farm Award in 1970. Alameda and surrounding area are the home for Ben’s extended Freitag family. His cousins always shared stories of camaraderie and agricultural adventures ensuring these were passed along to future generations.

Ben had an opportunity to be young Liberal President in Saskatchewan in his early twenties. He obtained a pilot’s license, worked in a creamery, was an accredited life insurance agent and started an event photography business.

Ben earned a BA from Luther College in 1973 and a BEd in 1975 from the University of Regina and served as a Luther College University resident advisor in the early 1970’s and later became the head resident. After marrying Darlene Oscienny in 1974 they would continue to be “Dorm Parents” at Luther University campus until 1976. A few years later, Ben accepted the Dean of Men position at Luther College High School. This required living in the dorm’s 3rd floor, Dean of Men’s suite from 1980-83, which was a busy and communal home for all three Freitag children.

Mr. Freitag had 30 years of service at Luther College High School teaching History and Economics and also facilitated the debate club, annual Musical box office sales, and L.I.T. concessions for many years. The cherished relationships of the Luther community of faculty, staff and students were always the benchmark for his career success. Mr. Freitag devoted his career to making Luther College the kind of place where all students from all backgrounds were respected, nurtured, defended, praised and loved.

He is survived by his wife Darlene (Oscienny) Freitag of Regina Beach and their children Burton (Cindy) and son Samuel of Saskatoon, Justin (Nicole) and son Easton of Regina Beach and Sarah of Regina; his sister Gertrude (Erwin) Buck of Saskatoon, nieces Sharon and Deborah, and nephew Darren and their families; brother-in-law David of Vernon and Nancy and niece Erin, nephews Rory and Jason and their families. His best friends “Uncle” Stu and Paulette Lissel of Hinton, Alberta and their children and Paul Ayotte of Alameda, Saskatchewan. Ben was predeceased by his parents Berthold and Martha, and brother Theodore.

Ben’s legacy is truly about his ability to enjoy the company of all people regardless of their status in life. He was always ready to sit down or share a Facebook friendship, for a good laugh or memory. His time at the Williston lifestyle community fostered many new friendships. Ben will have his many beloved dogs greeting him in the afterlife Tom, Jake and Boo.

If friends so wish, donations in memory of Ben “Mr. Freitag” can be made to The Freitag Family Scholarship for Kindness at Luther College High School c/o Maureen. Harrison@luthercollege.edu 306-791-9175 and/or the Regina Humane Society c/o info@reginahumane.ca 306-543-6363.

A memorial gathering will be hosted at Luther College High School in the Merlis Belsher Heritage Centre, 1500 Royal Street, 2-4 pm on Saturday, January 7, 2023.
Parking in the west parking lot just off Dewdney Avenue.

Arrangements in care of Eirene Cremations Inc (Regina).