Joseph Charles

Freischlag, Sr.

Laguna Vista, TX --

Joseph Charles Freischlag, Sr., known as Buddy by all of those near & dear to him, died at the age of 71 on the evening of November 29th, 2015. He passed peacefully at Valley Grande Manor in Brownsville Texas after many years of struggling with the disabling effects of a stroke suffered in January of 2011. Prior to the stroke, Buddy was a beloved resident of Laguna Vista, TX.

Joseph was born on July 16th 1944 in Decatur, IL to Wilbur August Freischlag and Anne Louise Young. He was the youngest of three children, joining sisters Sharon and Barbara in their home in Decatur. As a young man Joseph began driving trucks for his father at Freischlag Trucking Services based out of Decatur. On November 5th, 1963 he married Sandra Jean Smith. They also made Decatur IL their home for many years, raising their two children, Penny Jo and Joseph Charles, Jr. (Jay) there. He acquired the nickname Buddy for his heart of Gold attitude and his willingness to give anyone a chance or a helping hand. After years in the trucking business, Joseph founded his own trucking company, J&J Trucking. In 2000, he sold out the company to his, son Jay and relocated to Laguna Vista, Texas to retire by the warm waters of the gulf. For anyone who had the privilege to know Buddy, you would know he couldn't sit still, so retirement wasn't really his thing that early on. In 2000 he built his first home in Laguna Vista for a friend, then another and another…. bringing about the beginning of Five Star Builders. Through the years his quality and workmanship put into his Custom Homes was and still is highly regarded in the area. In 2004 his son Jay relocated as well joining the Five Star Builder family & legacy. To know Buddy was to know the joy of a friendship like no other. Buddy was full of generosity and believed handshakes were contracts. His love of grilling, cars and "deals" will always be remembered with a smile.

Joseph Charles Freischlag, Sr. is survived by his ex-wife, Sandra Jean, and will be remembered dearly by his children Penny Jo Alsabih and her husband Assam of Denver CO, his son Joseph Charles Freischlag, Jr. (Jay) and his wife Tiffany of Laguna Vista, TX. Grandchildren Ainsley and Alexandra Alsabih, Cheyenne, Benjamin and Montgomery Allgood, Emerson and Anderson Freischlag. Sisters Sharon Gebhart and her love Scott Simms of Marina Del Rey, CA and Barbara O'Conner of Fernandina Beach, FL. Nieces and Nephews include Gerry Gebhart, Rebecca Gebhart, Elizabeth Zirbel, Pratt and Mitchell O'Conner and Tracy Mooney. He is also survived by numerous friends he considered family.

His parents, Wilbur August and Anne Louise Freischlag and niece Pam O'Conner preceded him in death.

Joseph Freischlag Sr. (Buddy) will be remembered & celebrated on Saturday December 5th, 2015 from 2-4pm at Louie's Backyard on South Padre Island, TX. Please join us in remembering the man that meant so much to us family members, friends and our community. Bring your stories, laughter and memories as we raise a toast to Our Buddy…a Friend to All.