Luella Freel

Luella Freel, 88, of Topeka, passed away October 21, 2011 at St. Francis Health Center. Luella was born November 11, 1922 in Centralia to Howard and Catherine (Stegeman) Becker. She was raised in the Coalcreek community and attended Coalcreek Grade School and graduated from Corning High School. On July 6, 1943 in Corning, Luella married Clarence Freel. In 1955 Luella and Clarence moved to Topeka where she was a homemaker until 1966 when she went to work at American Home Life Insurance until she retired in 1983. Although retired, Luella and Clarence worked side by side on woodworking projects at their home. Luella is survived by a daughter, Virginia G. Simon, two sons, Ira L. Freel and his wife Debbie, Steven H. Freel and his wife Dee all of Topeka and a sister, Rose Ida Bergman of Onaga. Eight grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren also survive. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence, on March 5, 2004, her parents, two brothers, Edward and Henry Becker, a sister, Mary Meyer, and a son-in-law, Stan Simon. Luella was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for more than 50 years. Luella will lie in state after 4:00 p.m. Monday at the church where the family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. A Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of her life will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. The family suggests contribution in Luella?s memory to Sacred Heart Catholic Church sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603. Online condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.