Dr. Henri Freyburger, 87, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at Aiken Regional Medical Center in Aiken, SC. Henri Freyburger was born in Colmar, the Alsace area of France. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francoise Josephine Bachert and Henri Freyburger, a sister, a brother, and his very special friend, Lois Bellm. Henri was a French citizen, but became a second-class German citizen, after the French lost to the Germans in 1940. Early in the war he was able to study music in Berlin, but was later forced into the German army at the age of 16 in 1944. He was captured and sent to the Prisoner of War camp in Siberia. With his release at the age of 18, he volunteered for the French Army in 1946. He was sent back to Germany, and then in 1947 he was sent to Vietnam. He received many decorations for his service. Henri came to the United States in 1953 to be with his sister. He received his Certificate of Naturalization in 1959. He also maintained his French citizenship. Dr. Freyburger received a BA degree from Friends University in 1960, a Master's Degree from the University of Arkansas in 1962, and his Doctoral degree from the Sorbonne in Paris in 1969. He began his teaching career at Pittsburg State University, when he was appointed instructor in German in 1962. He was appointed Assistant Professor in 1966 and Associate Professor and Chair in the Department of Foreign Languages in 1968 and Professor in 1971. He was retired and designated chair and Professor Emeritus in 1989. He enjoyed being a member of the Kiwanis Club and playing piano at their meetings. He is survived by Joanne Stanford (Clarke) of Aiken, SC, both formerly of Pittsburg, KS; granddaughters, Alison Mueller (Todd) of Bishop, GA and Andrea Selman (Steven) of Blacklick, OH; Gracelyn Mae and Elton Henri Mueller and Steven Charles Selman, Jr. A Celebration of Life Memorial will be scheduled later for this summer in Pittsburg, KS. The family suggests memorials to the Foreign Language Department or the Ernie Williamson Music Scholarship at PSU, 1701 Broadway St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS. The Historic George Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234) in charge of local arrangements.