CONNIE FRIEDEN

This beautiful “Carnival Queen” of LaGrange got her well deserved angel wings on Christmas Eve. Connie Elizabeth Tracy Frieden fought this bacterial infection valiantly, but her organs shut down one by one. She was the compassionate, selfless light in many lives – a devoted wife, mother, grandma, aunt, sister and friend. She was the definition of warmth and love.

She was born in Springfield, Illinois on November 1, 1941, to Charles and Viola Thieme Tracy, and moved to Missouri in 1956. She was a 4-H project leader, cheerleader, nursery Sunday School teacher, and showed Grand Champion Duroc hogs. She married J. Duane Frieden in 1959 at the LaGrange Methodist Church. They had three children, Bryan, Todd and Holly. She loved to cook and would feed the world if she could. If the sun decided not to rise, there’s no doubt she would find a way to make another one out of hugs, kisses, butter and sugar. She was the happiest snuggling a grandbaby. She loved Elvis and was quite the jazzy accordion player.
Her husband of 64 years got to hold her hand, tell her he loved her, and kiss her goodbye. She passed peacefully surrounded by family. Connie was beyond special and Heaven is celebrating her arrival.

She is survived by her husband Jay Frieden of Taylor, Mo.; a son, Todd Frieden of Taylor, Mo.; a daughter, Holly Frieden of Columbia, Mo.; six grandchildren, ReAnn Frieden (Josh Wright), Alex Frieden (Kristy), Megan Ward (Eric), Allison Dunn (Tyler), Krystalyn Bauer (Justin) and Jordan Weltha; thirteen great grandchildren; a great great grandson; a brother, Lee Tracy of LaGrange, Mo., two sisters, Susan Novinger (Gary) of Columbia, Mo. and Donna Stice (David) of LaGrange, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Bryan Jay Frieden and Chuck Boots.

Her wishes were to be cremated. In honor of her husband, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, which may be mailed to or left at Arnold’s Funeral Home, 1100 White St., Canton, MO 63435 or feel free to buy stock in KFC, as dad wants to eat there daily.

Online condolence may be left at www.arnoldsfuneral home.net