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Elaine Free Obituary
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A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 24, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham.
Memorials may be made to Catholic Charities. Online condolences may be shared at .
Elaine was born on September 9, 1957, in Effingham, IL, the daughter of Walter J. and Mary (Fuesting) Kreke. She married James M. Free in July 2001 in Hot Springs, AR. They had been married for 22 years.
Elaine was a custodian at the Effingham County Courthouse and a cook at Wetherell Place in Effingham. She enjoyed planting and tending to her flowers. She liked cooking, camping, and traveling with her husband, Jim. Her home was always inviting and open to the neighborhood children.
Elaine is survived by her husband, James Free; children, Brian Ohnesorge, Brenda (Chad) Smith, Bobby (Kathy) Ohnesorge; and Brock (Jill) Ohnesorge; grandchildren, Ava, Mya, Makenna, Kendyl, Colin, Keara, and Darren; brothers, Anthony (Jill) Kreke and Daniel (Teresa) Kreke; sisters, Mary (Ken) Stuckey and Ruth (Norm) Green; and stepson, William V. Free.
She was preceded by her parents; infant sister, Virginia; and brother, Eugene.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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1110 N 4TH ST, Effingham, IL 62401
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