Florence Agnes ‘Flo’ Freels
Florence Agnes ‘Flo’ Freels, of Cedarhurst, formerly of Curtiss Creek Assisted Living, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023. She was born on April 10th, 1923, in Quincy, a daughter of Joseph & Anna (Thiemann) Stallmann. She married Nelson E. Freels of Moberly, Mo on June 22, 1946. He preceded her in death in January 1987.
Mrs. Freels was a 1940 graduate of Notre Dame Academy, where she was active in the school newspaper, various clubs and a member of the National Honor Society.
She worked for Irwin Paper Co. for over 30 years, beginning as a secretary and becoming a well-known salesperson over the years. Never one to sit idle, after retirement, she worked several part time positions working up until she was 90!
She was an active member of Blessed Sacrament (formerly St. Mary’s Catholic Church) for nearly 70 years, where she was involved with the Altar Society and Young at Heart clubs, as well as volunteering for many church functions.
She was an avid walker, loved playing tennis as a younger person, and took up golf in her 40’s. She was an active member of Cedar Crest Country Club where she played golf well into her 80’s. She was also active with the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary and the St. Vincent Home Auxiliary.
Flo was known for her friendly smile and fun-loving personality. She loved to play cards and belonged to several groups of card playing friends. She could be found at many a church held ‘card party’ around Quincy. She was an avid jigsaw puzzle fan and always enjoyed having a puzzle on going as she loved having a table filled with friends enjoying conversation while searching for a puzzle piece.
She is survived by three children: Karen (Larry) Throgmorton of St. Louis, MO, James (Shari) Freels of Quincy, and Maureen ‘Marni’ (Dale) Newhouse of Port Orchard, WA. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Wendi (Zack) Jones of Keokuk IA, James (Lauren Riter) Freels II of Keokuk IA, Ean (Dendra) Freels of Keokuk, IA, Jason Beckgerd of Bremerton WA and Kara (Bri Murray) Beckgerd of Port Orchard, WA. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Kristopher (Hailee) Hopkins of Marion IA, Matthew (Rachel) Hopkins of St. Thomas, MO, Andrew (Jacey) Jones of Keokuk IA and Gabriel (Olivia) Jones of Keokuk IA, and four great-great-grandchildren, Shawn and Amelia Hopkins of St. Thomas, MO, and Harrison and Lane Hopkins of Marion, IA. She is also survived by one brother: J James Stallmann of Berwyn, IL.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son, Kevin G. Freels, two sisters and their husbands: Elvira & Cyril Zehnle, Hilda & Leroy Nelson, one brother and his wife Robert & Mary Stallmann, and one sister-in-law, Violet Stallmann.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Quincy. Interment will be Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2023 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials can be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish in Quincy.
Flo was a good friend of our family, especially of my Uncle Bill and Aunt Jo, both lifelong Quincy residents. Her joyful take on life belied her age and she was just plain fun to be around. You had to be very fast on your feet to beat Flo at a game of cards, and I will always fondly remember my many failed attempts to win just one game of Aggravation off her. I take some comfort in knowing I have a lot of company in that club. I was very fond of Flo, who I called my “birthday buddy”. (We shared the same bday.) I will remember very fondly and miss her a lot.
Flo will be missed by many. Played golf with her on the par three at the Knights of Columbus. Could always plan on a good time when she was your partner. May she rest in peace.
Dear Family of Florence,
I am a classmate of 1940 too, I knew both Florence and Marge Deters well, they came out to see me when they went to San Francisco years ago, Florence was a lovely lady and good friend too, I will miss her as I have most of my classmates of old ND.
Please know I’ll remember her in my prayers, what a dear lady and I bet mother too.
I am a yr older than Florence 101 but doing well and living alone too as my son checks on me daily.
Mary Frances McDowell class of 1940.
Marni, my thoughts are with you and your family at this time. I didn’t know your mom, but it sounds like she was as fun-loving as you are. I will keep you in my prayers.
Flo was a joy to be around. She knew how to have a good time with friends. She will be missed❣️
So sorry to hear of Flo’s passing. I went to a Cardinal game with my husband, Larry Perrine, and the Holsum breadmen and wives. They rode with us and I totally enjoyed the trip. She was so pleasant. Sat with her at many a Bread banquets as well. She was such a nice person. She was always friendly when we would meet out shopping or at church. I bet her, Nelson and Bill Pape are having a great reunion. My prayers are with all of her family.
Marni. Your mother was special to so many . She is at peace now in her new heavenly home.My sympathy to you and your family.
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing Jim. Barb and I offer our deepest sympathy to you and your family