Joyce Frees

1933 - 2025

Joyce Frees

May 1, 1933 - March 15, 2025

Joyce Frees, 91, Rock Island, Ill. passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Friendship Manor in Rock Island.

There will be a visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan. The memorial service will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the funeral home. Inurnment at Rock Island National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Hospital.

Joyce was born on May 1, 1933 to Daniel and Ruth (McKinley) Frye in New Boston, Ill. She graduated from Aledo High School. On October 21, 1953 she was united in marriage to Henry Frees. The couple made their home in Rock Island where they raised their four children. In addition to being the matriarch of the family and a dedicated homemaker, she was also active with the Rock Island Eagles Club and the Rock Island Women of the Moose.

Joyce loved to go; she was never one to sit still. She enjoyed many trips with her children and her brother, Virgil. It didn't matter the destination, only the ability to travel and spend time with loved ones. She loved going to the casinos and won (sometimes). She taught her children respect for themselves as well as others, and demanded the best from everyone. Joyce was always there ready to help anyone in need. She had the gift of gab, which she passed on to a few of her children. In her spare time, she loved to read books, play solitaire, and color with friends she had made along the way. If you entered her heart, you were there to stay. She loved everyone. She will be remembered and sorely missed by many.

Joyce is survived by her children, Steven (Renate) Frees, Suzan (Steven Sr.) Krug, Robert (Mary) Frees, and Lisa Johnson; grandchildren, Jamie Sanchez, Diane Macecrath, Bob Griffith, Monica Mood, Tim Griffith, Steven (Jody) Krug Jr., Brandy (Jeffrey) Dithmart, Thomas Frees, Sara Johnson, Benjamin Johnson; great-grandchildren, Manuel, Adalia, Casey, Chris, Mike, Shelby, Abby, Nathan, Aaron, Hailey, Samantha, Marvin, Paige, Eliana, and Uriah; great-great-grandchildren, Lilly, Jaivyn, Avianna, Izaiah, Eli; and brother, Virgil (Joyce Brodie) Frye.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Daniel "Sonny" Frye Jr.; sister-in-law, Judy Frye; sister, Esther Norton; brother-in-law, Frank "Junior" Norton; and son-in-law, Dennis Johnson.

To leave condolences for the family, visit www.wheelanpressly.com.