Constance J. Freise - Obituary

onstance “Connie” Joan Freise (nee Clark), a lifelong learner and teacher, passed away at her home in Annapolis, MD, on February 28, 2025, at the age of 88. Connie was born on April 23, 1936, to the late Frank and Anna Clark (nee Bears), and was raised in a close-knit family in and around Eldon, MO. She married Bruce Freise, the brother of her college roommate, on July 26, 1959. After a few moves at the start of their careers and family, they settled in Racine, WI, where they raised their three children. She attended the Lindenwood College for Women and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Missouri. In her 40s, she earned a master’s degree in education with a specialization in reading from Carthage College. She spent most of her career in Racine teaching at St. John Nepomuk Catholic School, Starbuck Middle School and Jerstad-Agerholm Middle School. Connie was an avid reader, gardener and theater lover, attending performances wherever she lived and being involved with the Racine Theatre Guild. She was an active member of the Plymouth Congregational Church in Racine. After retiring, she and Bruce lived in several places including Hilton Head, SC; Williamsburg, VA; on a cruiser boat; and Naples, FL before moving to Annapolis. Wherever they lived, she made friends and volunteered to make her communities stronger, from tutoring students in South Carolina; to working at FISH, a food pantry and clothing service in Williamsburg; to working at the Naples Public Library. Connie is preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Bruce Freise. She is survived by her children: Catherine Chester (Dave), Clark Freise (Amy) and Heather Tredup (Steve) and four grandchildren: Zachary and Nathaniel Chester and Meghan and Emily Freise. She is also survived by her brothers, Frank T. Clark Jr. and Charles Wm. Clark, and many nieces and nephews. Per Connie’s request, no funeral services will be held. Memorial donations and donations in lieu of flowers can be made to St. Jude in Connie’s honor. Online condolences may be offered using the Memories link on this page.