Frieda Krenzel

Frieda Marie Krenzel, aged 99, of Jefferson City and formerly of Steedman, Missouri, passed away on December 16, 2025. She was born in Gladstone, North Dakota, on October 25, 1926, to Joseph and Appolonia (Frank) Degele. Frieda’s baptism certificate recorded her name as Fredrica Maria Degele, but her parents preferred she not be called "Freddy," so she became known as Frieda.

Frieda married Florian Krenzel on October 15, 1946, at St. Phillip’s Church in Hirschville, North Dakota. When Florian and Frieda started dating, Florian kept his guitar in the car, which is why Frieda loves guitar music. After Florian retired due to a work injury, they purchased a ranch in Steedman. Frieda’s final employment before retirement was in payroll at the company that built the Callaway Nuclear Plant. After relocating to Missouri, she joined St Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in Mokane. The church became central to her life, and she was a dedicated supporter.

Frieda dedicated herself to raising her family while consistently making time for her hobbies. During her children’s early years, she sewed matching outfits for herself and her daughters. As her family expanded to include grandchildren, she created quilts and needlepoint personalized gifts. She enjoyed reading mysteries, doing word searches and watching birds at her feeders. Eight years ago, Frieda moved in with her daughter, Carolina, and her husband, John, in Jefferson City.

Frieda is survived by her children, Joseph (Karen) Krenzel, David (Cathy) Krenzel, Carolina Gabert (John), Marilyn Stearns (Roy), and James Krenzel, two brothers, Albert and Vincent Degele, and two sisters, Bertha Jahner and Sister Gloria Degele. At the time of her death, Frieda had many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Appolonia (Frank) Degele; her husband, Florian Krenzel; a son, Dennis Krenzel; a daughter, Virginia Coleman; and brothers, George Degele and Valentine Degele.

Funeral services will be on January 3, 2026. Visitation begins at 9:30 am and mass starts at 11:00 am at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 401 Adams Street, Mokane, Missouri. Burial follows at Callaway Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 1700 US Business Highway 54 South, Fulton, Missouri. Lunch will be served after the burial at the St. Jude Thaddeus Parish Hall next to the church. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church.