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Freida C. Decker, 77, of O’Fallon, IL, born July 6, 1939, died Saturday, March 11, 2017 in Denver, CO. She was the heart and soul of her family and will be dearly missed. We give her into the hands of God.

Freida travelled the world alongside her husband, Merle, and enjoyed the military lifestyle. She loved meeting new people, trying all types of cuisines, and embracing different cultures. Her journey around the world took her to Germany, the Philippines, Okinawa, and many states in the U.S.A. She opened her home to young families and single military personnel which eased the homesickness for all of them. When her husband retired from the Air Force, the family settled in Colorado. Not one to sit around, she was employed with Samsonite for many years, as well as Continental Airlines.

Freida was an avid gardener, seamstress, and used her skills to turn military housing into a comfortable and warm home. She sewed clothes for her daughters when they were young. She also made matching clothes for their dolls and created beautiful quilts from the leftover fabric. She loved to cook, enjoyed creating new dishes, and sharing favorite family recipes. Comfort food was her specialty! She enjoyed the outdoors and went on many camping and fishing trips with her family. She loved working with her hands and had a gift for turning plain pieces of wood into something unique and beautiful. She was a voracious reader with a phenomenal vocabulary, and particularly enjoyed true crime and medical mystery stories. She was a true Denver Broncos fan and cheered them on with great enthusiasm, often being the loudest one in the room!

Freida was generous of heart and devoted to her family, friends, and pets. She took care of her dad and husband when they became ill, provided guidance and advice for those in need, and donated generously to local food pantries and animal shelters. She also shared her home with many adopted dogs and cats over the years. She loved all animals, and never passed up the chance to pet them. She was loving, compassionate, and kind, but also tough and determined. She survived several serious health concerns and learned to live with the rest. She enjoyed proving her doctors wrong! Her life was full and she was truly blessed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Merle Decker; parents, Linzy and Lula Kanmore, nee Davenport; four brothers, Woody, Joe, Bill, and Bob Kanmore, sister, Ruby Kanmore, and son-in law, Kevin Cronin.

She is survived by two daughters; Cheryl Cronin of O’Fallon, IL, Kevi Brody of Commerce City, CO; five grandchildren; Austin Chittum, Brandon Chittum, Shannon Cronin, Caitlin Cronin all of O’Fallon, IL, Chris Brody of Livingston, Texas, and four great grandchildren; Tionna, Talon, LeeAnna, & Waylon Chittum; and a sister, Roxie Kanmore of Pueblo, CO.

A private family celebration of Freida’s life will take place this spring. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials in honor of Freida may be made to Spencer Kennel, 1405 E. Hwy 50, O’Fallon IL 62269, www.spencerpets.com. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.schildknechtfh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home and Cremation Services, O’Fallon, IL.

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