Claire A. Biesemeier

Claire A. Biesemeier, 104 of Freeport, IL., passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025. Claire was born on September 2, 1920, Mt. Carroll, IL to Robert and Wavie (Sisler) Atherton. She graduated from Chadwick High School, Chadwick, IL. She graduated from The Cradle School of Infant Nursing, Evanston, IL. She married Allen J. Biesemeier in Lena, IL., September 2, 1945, and they farmed together until 1969. Claire also was employed in the offices of Crum & Forester, Structo Toy Manufacturing Co., and Burgess Cellulose/ 3-M Company in Freeport, IL.

Claire was active in her community and church. She belonged to the Freeport Women's Circle, Stephenson County Home Extension, The Ladies of the Elks, and the Nine Hole Golf League/Bridge Club. As a volunteer at the FHN Hospital, she served for 30 years and served on the Freeport Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Board for 15 years.

Her hobbies included playing bridge, reading, and enjoying her grandchildren's activities. Claire was an active member of St. John's United Church of Christ, serving on church council, Sunday school teacher, and Alpha Circle, and St John's Endowment Board.

Claire was a wonderful, loving, supportive mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother. Claire is survived by her son, John (Deborah) Biesemeier of West LaFayette, IN., and her daughter, Clarice Jann Crabill of Union, IL. Grand children Chris (Lori) Biesemeier, Timothy Biesemeier, Andrew Biesemeier, Nathan (Ashley) Biesemeier, Derek (Shauna) Crabill, and Daren (Laura) Crabill; 14 great grand children, 2 step great grand children, 8 great great grand children and 1 step great great grand child, and her sister, Wilma Weber, and her 2 "special" Gnagey brothers. She is preceded in death by her husband, Allen, 2004, her parents, 3 brothers and 7 sisters and a Gnagey brother, and her son-in-law.

Memorial services will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday May 8, 2025 at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Rev. Hank Fairman officiating. A visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Cremation rites will be administered and interment of ashes will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Garden, Freeport, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John's United Church of Christ of Freeport or FHN Hospice, Freeport, IL.