Dayhoff Soundtrack: Denise Elaine Frebertshauser, 45, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2014

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Denise Elaine Frebertshauser, 45, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2014

Denise Elaine Frebertshauser, age 45 of Harwood, Maryland passed away peacefully on April 16, 2014 at the University of Maryland Medical Center, with family and friends by her side.

Born on March 11, 1969 in Westminster, she was the daughter of Donald E. Frebertshauser and Rose M. Hahn Frebertshauser of Westminster. She is survived by her brother, Drew Frebertshauser, Spring Grove, PA and friend Holly Givler, Hanover, PA and niece Dakota Frebertshauser; aunts and uncles David and Jill Frebertshauser, Alice and Jim Eckard, and Paul and Anna Hahn, Jr. Westminster. She was an adored “Auntie” to Jacob and Drew Bjerknes and Berlin Dunn. She was preceded in death by close friend Bonnie Dunn in 2010. Her infectious love of life and learn by doing spirit through the 4-H program and ACA camping, gathered many wonderful friends who circled her with love and devotion throughout the years.

Denise was a 1987 graduate of Westminster High School, and then went on to graduate from the University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources with a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Food Science. She began a 5 year career of growing kids into competent caring and nurturing adults in the Baltimore County 4-H program with Adventures in Science and camping. From 1997- 2005, Denise as an extension educator in the Carroll County 4-H program expanded her natural resource and teen leadership focus. Denise’s mantra, “Get a child outside,” was frequently heard. She believed a supportive natural environment where adults and youth could interact developed a child’s head, heart, hand and health.

Denise was committed to developing the Maryland Patuxent River 4-H Center into a thriving and safe place for urban youth to learn how to become environmental stewards while having fun with hands on educational experiences. Denise’s creative teaching approach was key for developing senior youth mentor partnerships with younger campers. Her respect and interest for the American Indian traditions were often taught. She loved collecting antiques and historical memorabilia.

Denise was currently the Extension Specialist in Environmental Science and Outdoor Education at the University of Maryland Extension 4-H Youth and Development Center. She continued to grow “kids” and adults through science and camping. Denise was a published faculty member with numerous awards for her creativity, teaching, and program outreach. She was honored to receive the President’s award by the Chesapeake Section of the National American Camping Association for her outstanding service. Denise was most noted for making a difference in the lives of youth and adults. Her “never quit attitude” and “live in the moment” enthusiasm sparked much love and devotion for many youth and adults across Maryland. Death leaves a heart ache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at St. John’s (Leisters) Lutheran Church, 827 Leisters Church Rd., Westminster, with the Reverend Kristin Dubsky officiating. Burial will follow in Leisters Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, 91 Willis St., Westminster, and on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: The Maryland 4-H Foundation, Denise Memorial Camping Fund, 8020 Greenmead Drive, College Park, MD 20740 or the Patuxent River 4-H Center Foundation, INC., Denise Memorial, PO Box 342, Davidsonville, MD 21035.

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Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:

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