Delores Carolyn Freske's Obituary
Delores Carolyn Freske, 84, of Concord, NC, formerly of Carlyle, IL, gained her angel wings on April 10, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with lung cancer. She was born on October 27, 1940, in Moweaqua, IL, to Harlan and Mildred (nee Allison) Bailey.
Delores was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. She dedicated over 26 years to the military as a civilian aide at Scott Air Force Base. While working at the base, she enjoyed volunteering to work a booth at the annual air show and also volunteered at the VP Fair in St. Louis. Following her retirement and needing to keep busy, she worked as a prep cook at Patrick’s restaurant in Carlyle, then later on at McDonalds. In addition to working at restaurants, she also volunteered at HIS Kids, eventually moving into a full-time position to research grants. Delores helped start the PTA in Carlyle, IL and was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. During the summers, she loved to attend the stock car races at Highland Speedway, cheering on Dennis Sellers back in the 90’s. Every Christmas season she enjoyed making homemade fudge to send to her family and friends. Delores visited 47 states throughout her life. She spent a lot of her free time sitting on the patio relaxing, reading books and watching the birds. Delores loved to spend time with her family and was known to most as "Granny". She loved spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren any chance she got. Her greatest companions were her three dogs, Brie, Lucy and Zoey. Delores faced a lot of challenges throughout her life and fought hard until the very end.
Surviving are her Children, Vikki (Mike Friederich) Barackman, Ernie (Candace) Freske, Robbie Freske, Jeanne (Scott) Mackenthun and Ranna Lowber; Grandchildren, Seth (Sarah Dowdy) Strotheide, Cara (Chris Tell) Strotheide, Cory (Tahlor) Freske, Jonathan Mackenthun, Alex (Krista Clinard) Childs, Kirk Mackenthun, Carly Kramer and Chrisitan Kramer, Zach (Hannah) Friederich and Jake (Alison) Friederich; Great-Grandchildren, Raelee and Ryker Strotheide, Keegan Tell, Alliyah and Cayden Hartzell; close family friends, John Robinson and Kathleen Boyle; along with many other dear relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her First Husband, Roger Freske; Second Husband, Edward Lowber; Parents, Harlan and Mildred Bailey; and Brother, Ernest Bailey.
Funeral mass will be May 2, 2025, 11:00 am, at St. Francis DeSales, Moweaqua, IL, with Fr. Pawel Augustyniak officiating. Interment will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Moweaqua, IL.
A celebration of life will be held May 2, 2025, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Carlyle, IL.
In lieu of customary remembrances and flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to HIS Kids Cancer Support, PO Box 412, Highland, IL, 62249 or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Delores?
What’s a lesson you learned from Delores?
Share a story where Delores' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Delores you’ll never forget.
How did Delores make you smile?

