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Shirley Freels Obituary
Shirley Franckowski Stahoviak Freels, 91, of Albion, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer.
Shirley was born in Michigan City, Indiana, to the late Bliss and Stella Franckowski. Shirley married Allen Freels and moved to Albion, Indiana, to live her dream of living on a farm surrounded by animals she loved. Before her cancer weakened her, Shirley was actively feeding her horses, cows, dogs and cats. She did her farm chores early in the morning and early in the evening, 365 days a year, and loved it.
She and Allen also raised Belgian draft horses and showed them at fairs throughout Indiana. Shirley and Allen were very involved in the DeKalb County Fair and part of the Noble County Fair Association.
Surviving are her children, Darrell (Julia) Stahoviak of La Porte, Indiana, Diane (Butch) Hootman of Michigan City, Indiana, Donna Ransom of Morgantown, Indiana, Jed (Keli) Freels of Auburn, Indiana, and Jodi (Doug) Helmer of Kendallville, Indiana.
She is also survived by grandchildren, Bill (Kim) Cummings, Austin (Ashley) Freels, Carrie Freels, Cody (Korynn) Freels, Leah (Kyle) Boone and Mackenzie (Casey) Jackson; great-grandchildren, Krystin (Delton) Stahoviak, Araya H. Stahoviak, Taylor Cummings, Evan Cummings and Miranda Cummings, Maisie Freels, Piper Freels, Jasper Freels, Kaspian Freels, Eowynn Freels, Hudson Boone, Hayden Boone, Levi Jackson and Quinn Jackson; and two great-great-grandchildren, Carter L. Jones and Delton Huffman.
Preceding her in death were her grandson, Darrell J. Stahoviak; and her husband and three of her children's father, Ronald Stahoviak.
Shirley will be cremated and her ashes spread on her beloved farm at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Freels
MARK TANNEHILL
January 15, 2026
ONE OF THE FINEST LADIES I KNEW, SHE WAS DEFINITELY A GREAT SECOND MOM. REST WELL. HER KIDS WERE ALL FRIENDS FOR YEARS AND DARRELL AND I HAVE HAD A GREAT BROTHERHOOD FOR YEARS'
Julia C Quigley
January 8, 2026
As we age, so many of us become more sedentary. Not Shirley! I would brag to friends that, in her 80s and 90s, she would still be doing farm chores that would have been difficult for many of us in our 60s. I would watch, yes, watch, her use a pitchfork and heave hay over stall gates to feed her animals. She never missed a day until her cancer was beating her. I admired her strength and determination to be that farm girl. I miss her. Julia
Jim and Sharon Beer
January 7, 2026
Sorry to hear about the passing of Shirley. Jim and I enjoyed stopping to see them while camping at the campground next door. They seldom missed the squirrel fry in the fall at our place. Will be missed
Tim Kincaid
January 6, 2026
Sadden by the news of your mother´s passing.
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Robin Ann Cross
January 6, 2026
Shirley was a very kind lady. She was my son´s grandmother. I was fortunate to have her as my mother in law for a few years. She was always busy "working "at what she loved . She´s finally resting
KENT & PATTY KREIGHBAUM
January 6, 2026
WE ARE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.WE HAVE BEEN FRIENDS OF ALLEN & SHIRLEY ,DARRELL & JULIE. FOR MANY YEARS.RIP SHIRLEY.
Dave and Mary Cochran
January 4, 2026
Jed, Keli and family as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Larry and Ruth Palmer
January 4, 2026
May God bless you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Jim and Jennett Marker
January 3, 2026
Prayers of peace and strength to you and your family. So very sorry for your loss.
Mary Moorhouse Zeigler
January 2, 2026
Prayers for the family during this difficult time. Remember the years at the Noble County Fair showing draft horses.
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