Julie Ann Gibson

Julie Ann Freeburg, 79, was born to Virginia Ann Moeller and John Raymond Freeburg in Spencer on Nov. 23, 1945. She died at Dougherty Hospice House on June 16, 2025.

Julie attended Hopewell Country School, Greenville, Rossie and Spencer schools, all without moving from her farm home of 16 years. She graduated from Waverly-Shell Rock High School in Waverly in 1964. This is where she met her future husband, David Gibson. They were married on Aug. 27, 1967, in Humboldt. This 57-year marriage produced two sons, William and Scott.

After Dave graduated from college at Iowa State, the couple traveled on naval assignments throughout Florida, California and the Philippines. They then moved to Wisconsin for several years. During these years, Julie served as a nurse's aide in various nursing homes. They moved to Julie’s family farm near Spencer in 1975 and farmed together there for 38 years. In 2011, they retired and moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to be near family.

Julie was a past leader of the Esther Guild at First English Lutheran Church in Spencer, and of the Sarah Circle at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls.

Julie is survived by her husband, David Raymond Gibson, of Sioux Falls; her two sons, William Martin Gibson, his wife Amy, and grandson Greyson Kade Gibson, of Eagle, Colorado; and Dr. Scott Wesley Gibson, his wife Dr. Melissa Gibson, and granddaughters, Evelyn Ann Gibson and Mae Virginia Gibson, of Sioux Falls; Also, two sisters, Janet (Richard) Briggs and Jolene Abens, both of Arnolds Park; brother-in-law, Don (Debi) Gibson, of Eagan, Minnesota; and sister-in-law, Jan Bergen, of Warren, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by both parents; and brothers-in-law, Keith Abens and Dan Bergen.

She will be cremated and laid to rest at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.