Dr. Sherley Freudenberger

Dr. Sherley Freudenberger passed away on March 21, 2015 at the age of 87 in Rancho Bernardo, CA. He is survived by his beloved wife Joan of 57 years, his children Dave, Tim, Susie and Sherry, grandchildren Megan, Matt, Sam, Molly, Jared and Caden, and brother Charlie, his son Larry and their family. Sherl was born in Louisville, KY and entered the Naval Aviation V-5 program in 1945 and served for 2 years. He attended the University of Pennsylvania and University of Louisville for his undergraduate education and the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He completed his Pediatric Residency training at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Louisville Children’s Hospital where he met his future wife Joan, and the USC Medical Center.

Sherl and Joan moved to Downey, CA in 1958 where Sherl practiced as a pediatrician specializing in allergies at Gallatin Medical Group for 35 years. While in Downey, he was actively involved in community service. He served as the basketball coach for both DJAA and Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) junior high students as well as the team physician for Downey High School for 16 years. In keeping with his interest in the Native American community he was instrumental in establishing the first American Indian Free Clinic in Los Angeles where he tirelessly volunteered his services. He was also Chairman of the Indian Health Committee of the Southern California Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics for five years. He was named Downey’s Man of the Year in 1977 in recognition of his extensive service to the community as well as being awarded the honor of Kentucky Colonel in 1985. Sherl gave generously to numerous charitable causes during his lifetime in addition to establishing scholarship funds for the students of OLPH and Downey High.

Sherl referred to himself as “a true golf addict” much to the dismay of his loving wife Joan! He was a world traveler and history buff, with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and a good Kentucky bourbon!

We love and miss you Honey, Dad and Grandpa. May you always have a hole-in-one.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Bernardo Heights Country Club, Rancho Bernardo on May 16 at 4pm.

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Published: April 30, 2015 - Volume 14 - Issue 03