Pauline DeFreese

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Pauline K. "Polly" DeFreese
Date Of Birth:October 18, 1920
Date Of Death:November 17, 2011
Service Date:Visitation- Sunday, November 20, 2011, 3-5:00pm
Knapp-Johnson-Harris Funeral Home
Visitation- Monday, November 21, 2011, 9:30-10:30 am
St. Peter Lutheran Church
1777 County Road 2000E
Benson, IL 61516
Service- Monday, November 21, 2011, 10:30 am
St. Peter Lutheran Church
1777 County Road 2000E
Benson, IL 61516

Pauline K. DeFreese

Roanoke-Pauline "Polly"Katherine DeFreese, 91, of Roanoke, Illinois passed away at 4:10 pm on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at Snyder Village in Metamora. .

Polly was born on October 18, 1920 in Limestone Township to Emil H. and Grace (DeWeerth) Behrends. She married Herman J. Backer and together they raised a family of four daughters: Carol (Robert) Diggelman of Milwaukee, Lois Petty of Westport CT, Linda Edwards of Denver and Susan (Paul) Wasserman of Chicago. Upon the death of Herman, Pauline studied for and received her GED and an LPN license and worked as a nurse for a number of years at Proctor Hospital. She married Henry DeFreese in 1969. After retirement, Pauline opened a health food store in Roanoke IL and became a founding member of the Roanoke Art League. In 2003, she moved to Snyder Village where she made many new friends.

Preceding her in death were husbands Herman and Henry, her parents, two brothers Edward J. and Wilbur F. Behrends, sisters Elsie Pedze, Dorothy Flohr, Annetta Cook and Mildred Blunk. Surviving are her daughters, five grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and sister Eleanore Meinders. Also surviving her are special friends Glenn and Lorene Busnitz and many nieces and nephews who knew her as Aunt Polly.

Pauline was a life-long member of the Lutheran Church, first at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Glasford and after marriage at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Benson IL where she was active in women's groups. She was an avid painter and sculptor and has displayed her work many times and won a number of awards. She was an enthusiastic card player with various groups.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, November 21, 2011 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in rural Benson. Rev. William Hecht will officiate. Visitation will be held from 3:00-5:00 pm on Sunday, November 20, 2011 at Knapp-Johnson-Harris Funeral Home in Roanoke and one hour prior to services on Monday at the church. Burial will follow services at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery in Benson.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church or Snyder Village Needy Family Fund. Online condolences may be sent to the family at knappjohnsonharris.com.
  • From: Roxy  Carbine Bachtold
    Location:London, Ohio

    On behalf of my sister Sue Rogge, brother Steve Rogge and I, we extend our sympathy on the passing of Polly. We have many memories of her and know that our Mother (Betty Rogge) always enjoyed her friendship. You are all in our prayers,

  • From: Darryl and Verla Monge
    Location:Stafford, Virginia 22556

    Our sympathy and love to all of your family. Polly was a beautiful woman. I always enjoyed our conversations when she owned the Health Store. May she rest in peace with our Lord.

  • From: Sharon Welch
    Location:Normal, Illinois

    Susan and sisters, What a creative full life your mother led. Your memories of her must be quite special. You will be in my thoughts during this hard time. Susan, we met at a Nature Conservancy gathering and discovered that your Aunt was my Grandmother Magelina Tjaden. I enjoyed the brief meeting with your mother and sister at Starved Rock. Take care of yourselves during this difficult time. Sharon Tjaden Welch

  • From: Sue Post
    Location:Flanagan, Il

    The staff and residents of Good Samaritan-Flanagan wish to extend our sympathy and caring to the family of Polly. She was a tireless worker here and made our auxiliary a success. She is remembered fondly by many of us, and we are thankful she was a part of our "family."

  • From: Bridget  Wolfe
    Location:Secor, Illinois

    I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Polly's family. I got to know Polly when I became an Art League member. Polly was a very creative person, excellent sculpture and painter. She will be truly missed by all of us at the Roanoke Art League.

  • From: Bridget  Wolfe
    Location:Secor, Illinois

    I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Polly's family. I got to know Polly when I became an Art League member. Polly was a very creative person, excellent sculpture and painter. She will be truly missed by all of us at the Roanoke Art League.

  • From: Gene Ladendorf
    Location:Bayside WI

    God's blessings to all of the family, especially Carol and Lois at the death of your mother. May you find comfort in the hope of the resurrection and life everlasting. Lois, I hope that we'll be able to spend time together at Starved Rock next June. Carol,it looks as if we are nearly neighbors. Blessings and Peace!

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