Joan M. Frey
Joan M. Frey, age 91, of Sunset Home died on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 in the Home. Joan was born on September 19, 1928, the only child of the late Gerald P. and Ada Omer Frey.
Joan attended Liberty schools graduating from Liberty High School in 1946. This was followed by two years at Carthage College, graduating with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Millikan University in 1950. Graduate courses were taken at Teachers College Columbia University in New York City and a Master of Arts in Music Education was received in 1956. Certification as a Librarian and Media Specialist was gained by later courses at Quincy College and Western Illinois University at Macomb. Teaching assignments were in Blue Mound, Hillsboro and Springfield, IL, Ladue District in St. Louis, MO, Edgewood District in San Antonio, TX, twenty-eight years teaching children of the American military in overseas locations, and working as a music substitute for the Quincy Public Schools.
Miss Frey was a founding member of the Liberty Community Historical Society. While overseas she pursued research of the Xander, Frey, Uhland, Omer, McGirr and Hofmeister families.
Joan was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Liberty. She served as substitute organist for a number of years. She was past president of the Adams County Church Women United and past secretary of the Adams County Women’s Christian Temperance Union. Joan was also a member of the Quincy Symphony Chorus for many years.
Survivors include first cousins: Dr. Roger Hofmeister of Columbia, MO, Jon and David Rakers of Quincy, Mary Rakers Colvin of Florissant, MO, Guy R. Omer of New Port Richey, FL, and Henry Lewis Omer of Tampa, FL. There are additional cousins associated with pioneer families who settled Adams County in Liberty and Camp Point areas.
Miss Frey was preceded in death by aunts, Frieda Frey Hofmeister, Florence Garner Omer, and Georgia Omer Rakers; uncles, James Omer and Henry Clay Omer, Jr; and cousins, Doris Hofmeister Sanders and Donald Rakers.
Inurnment services will be held at Xander Cemetery in Liberty on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 1:00 PM in Xander Cemetery, Liberty, IL. There is no visitation, but friends are invited to the graveside services. If you plan on attending, please wear a mask and practice social distancing. Memorials may be made to Xander Cemetery or Zion Lutheran Church.
I was one of Miss Frey’s music students at the school she taught at in Idar-Oberstein, Germany in the 1980’s. My family and myself have wonderful memories of Miss Frey who was our friend as well. We are so sorry to learn that she has passed away but we will always remember the great teacher and friend that she was to us.
Miss Frey was a pleasant, very intelligent, farseeing lady. I drove her around many times to musical activities. She was an attribute to any community.
Joan was always trying to make the Liberty area better while reminding us of our heritage. We thank her for all of her efforts. God bless her extended family.
May the Lord bless and keep you Joan and surround you with the music of the angels for all eternity. Much love.