Florence M. (VanGoeye) Freitag

Our beautiful mom, Florence Marie Freitag, “Flossie” 99 years old, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 21, 2022. She was the most loving and kindhearted person. Her smile was made of sunshine and her heart was solid gold.  She was born on April 21, 1923, in New Carlisle, Indiana, to the late Victor and Genevieve VanGoeye.

On July 4, 1942, she married Joseph Freitag at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in South Bend, IN.  He preceded her in death February 26, 1989 after 46 years of marriage.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Carol Whitteberry, Apache Junction, AZ; Joseph Freitag, Jr. (Deb Logan), Osceola, IN; Mary Lou Freitag and Donna (Jeff) Olszewski; South Bend, IN.  She is also survived by her brother Ronald (Sue) VanGoeye, Florence, MT; 10 grandchildren, whom she adored, Shani (Galo) Tapia, Mesa, AZ; Troy (Lori) Freitag, Adam (Cassie) Freitag; Ryan Freitag, Kim Fine, Kristin Klodzinski, Christina (Paul) Soderlund, Ricky (Kelsey) Jasinski, Jason Bennett and Jennifer (Terry) Beyer, Lake Ozark, MO; 18 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren, many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding her in death, along with her loving husband, were her children Kathryn Sue Greer and Thomas Michael Freitag; grandsons Derek Whitteberry and Scott Freitag; great-grandson Tyler Beemer.

Florence attended Sacred Heart (Belgium) grade school and graduated in 1941 from Washington High School, South Bend, IN. She worked many years as a seamstress with the drapery department for Robertson’s Department Store, Pizer-Thanos and Creative Drapes by Carol.  She was a member of the Harvest House of St. Adalbert’s Parish, D.F.V. Ladies Auxiliary at the German Club and a long-time parishioner of Our Lady of Hungary Catholic Church. Florence enjoyed sewing, baking and crafts but most importantly, her first priority was always being with her family and friends.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 (noon) on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Our Lady of Hungary Catholic Church, 829 W. Calvert St., South Bend, IN with a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 (noon).  Rosary will be recited at 10:30am.  Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Zahoran Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

A special thanks to SouthernCare Hospice and the caregivers at Hamilton Grove, New Carlisle, IN who gave exemplary care and compassion during her stay. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to SourthernCare Hospice, 1626 E. Day Rd., Mishawaka, IN 46545.

To leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.zahoran.com or our Facebook page, Zahoran Funeral Home.

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