Roll Call Tribute

Gilbert "Gil" Alden Freitag

May 11, 1936 - May 22, 2022

Gilbert “Gil” Alden Freitag was born in Houston, Texas, in 1936 to parents Gus H Freitag Sr and Ruth Kaiser Freitag. He passed away peacefully on May 22, 2022.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Virginia Campo Freitag; his parents; his brothers Gus Freitag Jr and Ellis Freitag; his sisters Jean Freitag Stone, Jane Freitag Ford, and Nita Freitag Ankenbruck; and his grandson, Kenneth “Scott” Adkins Jr.

Gilbert is survived by his siblings Evie Freitag Harrison and Greg Freitag; his five children, Denise Kubecka (James), Gilbert Alan Freitag (Emmy), Darlene LeBrock (David), Sharlene Miller (Mike), and Theresa Adkins (Ken); and 12 grandchildren, Stephanie Kubecka LeDuc (Nelson), Megan Kubecka, Paul Miller (Hannah), Steven Kubecka, Brandi Adkins, Mason Kubecka, Brittany Miller, Katie Freitag, Thomas Adkins, Kristen LeBrock, Madison LeBrock, and Allison Adkins; and countless other extended family members and friends.

Gilbert was a model husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend. He never sought limelight for himself, rather his mission and joy in life was to assist in elevating others. No matter how long and hard he worked, he always made time for family and friends. Whether it was kind words, helping with a project, or just having a cup of coffee and donuts with his brother on a Sunday morning, there was no denying his love for his wife, children, siblings, and the rest of his family. His childhood love of trains turned into a hobby that sent the family traveling from sea to shining sea, fostering deep friendships all along the way. The line quickly blurred between friends and family. It was not uncommon to see some of his fellow railfans at family events. While Gilbert did not seek recognition, out of respect, he was presented with the first ever NMRA (National Model Railroad Association) Fellow Award in 2007. It remains the most prestigious award presented to any member of the NMRA, recognizing individuals who have shared and promoted the hobby of model railroading.

Life for Gilbert changed in many respects after his stroke twelve years ago. Thanks to the devotion of his wife, he continued to stay involved and connected with those who loved him. This included being there for family milestones and continuing to open his home to hundreds of other railfans for Layout Tours and San Jacinto Model Railroad Club Christmas parties. It was just five short weeks ago that we celebrated the life of his wife and partner, Virginia. It is difficult to talk about them separately because they were the perfect pair. It brings comfort knowing they are together again, continuing a love story that started 63 years ago when “fascination turned to love.”

The Freitag family would also like to thank Darlene Reese, Rufus Lee and Freda Martin for their care and devotion to both Gilbert and Virginia. Their title might have been “caregivers,” but we call them our second family. This was especially true after Virginia’s hospitalization and passing, when it brought the family great comfort knowing Gilbert was never without someone who loved him by his side.

A visitation for Gilbert will be held Tuesday, May 31, 2022, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023 with a rosary at 8:00 PM.

An additional short visitation will be held Wednesday, June 1, 2022, from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 7250 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston, TX 77011. A funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 AM with a reception after the mass from 11:00 PM to 1:30 PM at the parish hall. A procession will leave the church at 1:45 PM for a graveside service at 2:00 PM at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023.

In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting you honor Gilbert’s legacy by performing a random act of kindness without asking for anything in return or donating to your favorite charity.