Freddie Etienne

Magnet, Indiana -

After battling a recent flare-up of a chronic lung disease, Farmer’s Lung, Frederick (Freddie) Etienne, 73, peacefully passed at Kindred Hospital in Louisville, KY on July 21, 2024. His loving family surrounded him as he journeyed to heaven's gates.

He was born at his parents’ home on Thanksgiving, November 23, 1950, to the late Justin O. and Helen (Reed) Etienne. He was the fourth oldest of twelve children in this farm family.

He graduated from Perry Central High School in 1969. He was united in marriage to Nancy Gehlhausen on September 23, 1978, at St. Augustine Catholic Church. They made a great team for over 45 years and created a loving home for their two hard-working boys.

He took great pride in his family and loved seeing his grandchildren grow and compete in their sports and academics. “Papaw” gave them the best tractor rides and driving lessons. Each one held a special place in his heart.

Being a lifetime farmer, he owned and operated a farrow to finish hog operation, raised cattle, and had many acres of corn, soybeans, hay, and wheat. He also managed acres of pasture and forest timber.

He served many years on the Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) Board of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Perry/Spencer Farm Service Agency in Rockport, IN. He was a careful steward of the land. He received the Conservationist Farmer of the Year in 2014 for Perry County, and in 2008 the Indiana River Friendly Farmer from the Soil and Water Conservation District. He was a member of the Cattlemen’s Association for several years. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church. In his younger years, Freddie also served in the Army National Guard.

A euchre playing extraordinaire, he won many tournaments, including a Moose State tournament. He absolutely LOVED playing cards with his many friends.

He was a sports enthusiast and sports trivia whiz. Always a faithful Perry Central sports booster, he attended many sporting events during his life. A fierce competitor, he competed many years in softball leagues and volleyball tournaments. He was always involved in helping his two sons in whatever sport they were in at the time. He also helped coach Elementary and Junior High Boys Basketball for many years at Perry Central. Many local kids spent time with him at the old Derby gym. There was nothing he liked better than helping those young men develop and reach their goals in their sports and in life.

Freddie was a shining example of the Golden Rule, always treat people how you want to be treated. He never met a stranger and made an impact on many with his genuine caring for others. A natural story and joke teller, he was quick witted, and had a superb sense of humor.

Upon his death, Freddie became a cornea and tissue donor with the assistance of Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (KODA). That was just another way he continued his life mission to always pay it forward for others.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, Magnet; sons Adam (Nicole) Etienne, Louisville, KY, and Ryan (Maral) Etienne, Goshen, KY. Four grandchildren; Alex, Ty, Victor, and Arya Etienne; brothers, Justin “J.B.” Etienne (Jan) Tell City, Phil Etienne (Joann), Derby, Doyle (Lana) Magnet; sisters, Margie Edwards (Dave), English, Ruth Ory, Mt. Pleasant, Monica Richard (Charley) Magnet, and Donna Briggeman (Mike) Tell City; brother-in-law David Sailings, Crandall and sisters-in-law, Mickey McMahon and Rita Etienne, all of Magnet, and Deanna Richardson (Tom), Derby.

Preceding him in death were his parents; sisters, Mary Louise Etienne in infancy, and Mary Sailings; brothers, Richard “Greg” Etienne, Dennis “Herman” Etienne, Francis “Monkey” Etienne, sister-in-law Karen Ann Etienne, and brother-in-law Keith Gehlhausen. Nephews; Todd Etienne, Christopher Ory, Scott Gehlhausen, niece Kearstin Parker.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM CDT on Friday, July 26, 2024, at Huber Funeral Home, Tell City. Ryan Stiles will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Augustine Church Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 1:00-8:00 PM and on Friday from 8:00-10:00 AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorial contributions be made to Perry Central Athletic Fund, 18677 Old State Rd. 37, Leopold, IN 47551.

Condolences may be left for the family at huberfuneralhome.net