Bob Freudenthal

Bob’s chosen field of employment was public service.  He worked for the City of Hendersonville for 18 years, the majority of which he served as Public Works Director.  From 2001-2004, he served as Public Works Director for the City of Paducah, KY. In 2004, Bob returned to Hendersonville to serve as Deputy Director of Hendersonville Utility District.  In 2008, he was hired as the Executive Director of Tennessee Association of Utility Districts where he served until his passing. Bob was very involved with both the American Public Works Association at both the state and national levels serving as national president in 2005-2006 and the National Rural Water Association.

With all the accolades in his professional life, Bob’s greatest accomplishment was his family.  He was married to his childhood sweetheart, Michelle Loper, for 45 years.  Bob was the proud “Dad” to Bobby, Jr., Jonathan, and Kristin, and the devoted “Papa” to Shianne, Bubba, Kirk, and Maddie.

In life, Bob exemplified Romans 12:10 “Be devoted in love and honor one another.” He loved with all his heart.  He served with a humble spirit.  He led by example and walked by faith.  Those who knew him saw the hands and feet of Christ!  His family and friends are better because of him.  His wit and “smart ass” attitude will be deeply missed.  Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gus, sister-in-love Allison Loper Dye, and father-in-love Noel Loper.

Bob is survived by his loving wife and best friend Michelle, son Bobby, Jr., son Jonathan (Nicole), daughter Kristin, grandsons Kirk, Jonathan, Jr., granddaughters Shianne and Maddie.  Also surviving are his sister Pat (who wanted a puppy instead of a younger brother), his brother Carl (Marcia), mother-in-love Barbara Loper, sister-in-love Jennifer (Joey) Hunnicutt, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Bob's life will be conducted at 12 p.m., Wednesday, October 11, 2023 from Good Shepherd United Methodist Church with Rev. Gerry Claybrook officiating. Burial will follow in the Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery with Greg Freudenthal, Marc Freudenthal, Sam Freudenthal, Ryan Freudenthal, Bobby Freudenthal, Jr., and Jonathan Freudenthal, Sr. serving as pallbearers. Kristin Freudenthal, Shianne Snow, Jonathan Freudenthal, Jr., Kirk Freudenthal, and Madison Freudenthal will be honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 10 and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Abba's House by visiting www.abbashousesa.com/get-involved.