Mary Lou Freitag

Mary Lou Freitag, 88, of Minier, passed away Friday, February 7, 2025 at Hopedale Hospital Emergency Room.

She was born August 12, 1936 in Lincoln to James and Fairby Bray Brandt.  She married James Freitag.

Surviving are her children, Brenda (Eric) Lacefield of Hopedale, Paul “Buddy” Gresham of Minier, Becky Sosnowski of Minier, Leatha (Tom) Manes of Bloomington; three stepchildren, Cindy (Dave) Patton of Bloomington, Julie (Bryan) Cottingham of Nashville, TN, and Lisa Rhodes of Danvers; 26 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren; and several great great grandchildren; seven siblings, Barb (Jim) Johnson of Bloomington, Eileen Knobloch of Minier, Pat (Gary) McDaniel of Minier, Rosie (Floyd) Bartelmay of Minier, Nancy (Ed) Hassebrock of Armington, Harry Brandt of Creve Coeur, and Janet Duchanois of Morton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James; one daughter, Susan Bennett, two great grandchildren, Apollo and Parker; and four brothers.

Mary Lou worked at Caterpillar Inc. in East Peoria in building HH for 30 years.

She was a member of Armington Christian Church, Armington American Legion Auxiliary, and the Red Hat Society.

She was an avid Cubs fan, enjoyed crocheting, making pies and meatloaf, but most of all, loved helping people.  Mary Lou never knew a stranger.

Her funeral will be at 11:00 am Friday, February14, 2025 at Minier Christian Church. Pastor Jim Webster will officiate.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Thursday, also at the church.  Burial will be in Minier Cemetery.  Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Minier Rescue Squad.

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