Carzell Thurman Frerking

Carzell was born February 15, 1938, in Mascot, Tennessee, the sixth child of George and Stella (McCoy) Thurman. She had three brothers and four sisters. One brother survives.

She married Robert (Bob) George Frerking on December 19, 1956, in Mascot at the home of Carzell’s parents. Bob’s father, the Rev. Roland Frerking, officiated. They were married almost 60 years when Bob was called to his heavenly home in 2016.

She is survived by two daughters, three sons, twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Kathy (Con) Campbell of Ashkum, Illinois. Mary (Karl) Swanson of Houston, Texas and their children/grandchildren Stephen (Mallory), Grace, Graham and Micah Swanson; Philip (Eunice), Aria and an expected daughter (due in August) Swanson; and James (Rheagan) Swanson. Bill (Susan) Frerking of Houston, Texas and their children Andrew, Kate, Lauren and Grant Frerking. John (Mary) Frerking of Columbia, Missouri and their children Abigail and Matthew Frerking. Jim (Karen) Frerking of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin and their children RJ, Rachel and Tim Frerking. Also surviving is one brother, Thomas (Susan) Thurman of Chattanooga, Tennessee, two step-granddaughters, three step-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Carzell was active in her school days excelling in academics, basketball, theater and cheerleading before marrying Bob and devoting herself to raising a family. She was a loving and faithful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She and Bob took great care to see their children and grandchildren were catechized in the Biblical faith that formed the foundation of their lives. She was actively involved in her children’s education, their musical and sports activities as well as teaching Sunday school, hosting in-home Bible studies, and volunteering for various roles in congregations of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

Of her many gifts, perhaps the one most recognized by her children, was her abundant Godly joy evidenced by her infectious optimism and ability to always find the positive in any situation. Her family will miss her presence on this earth yet confidently rejoice that she is home in eternal glory with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ awaiting bodily resurrection when Jesus returns bodily on Judgment Day.

Services for Carzell will be held on Sunday, June 9th at Trinity Lutheran Church, Columbia, Missouri. A visitation will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 pm with a funeral service immediately following. Carzell will be buried in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, in Corder,, Missouri on Monday, June 10th at 10:30 am.

An informal gathering honoring and remembering Carzell’s life will be held on Sunday, June 9 at Grand Cru Restaurant in Columbia, starting at 5:30 pm. We hope you will join us as we share remembrances of this dear and faithful servant and give thanks for the gift of her positive influence on so many lives. While all are welcome to attend, we are especially hopeful that Columbia friends who are unable to make the funeral will come to say hello and remember Carzell.

No memorials or flowers are requested. Carzell's greatest wish to honor her memory would be a commitment of time in God’s Word, individually and with your family, for God’s Word is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12).

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com