Carol Jean Fraase

“The Party’s Over”

Carol Jean Fraase, caterer extraordinaire, passed away at 1:22 am Tuesday, June 13, 2017 after a short illness.

Her bucket list was full. She saw the great pyramids, traveled through France and Italy, stayed in most of the historical hotels and dined in some of the best restaurants along the way.

Carol was born May 31, 1947 the daughter of Henry and Frieda (Hinrichs-Jurgens) Fraase in Springfield and grew up on the family farm west of Springfield. She graduated from Pleasant Plains High School and soon after, moved to Lancaster, CA to work for the military as a civilian.

She returned to Illinois in 1977 and started Carol Jeans Fine Cuisine. After a number of trips to culinary schools in France, she was determined to change the pallet of central Illinois. The Fraase Farm soon became the perfect setting for all occasions; weddings, anniversaries, Round-the-Towns, lobster boils, crab boils, steak throws, barn dances and many Christmas parties. There was no party too large or too small that she and her niece Sara could not put a menu together and wow the host and guest. She was known far and wide for her ability to throw a great party, making some good friends and a few foes along the way.

She and Sara would share their talent and knowledge by teaching cooking classes every February and March in Carol’s personal kitchen.

Carol married Horatio Davis, July 7, 1983. He preceded her in death on December 10, 1996. She is survived by her sister, Margaret (Glenn, deceased) Oschwald and her brother, Lloyd (Joyce) Fraase as well as six nephews, two nieces and many great nephews and nieces.

She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Springfield, the Sangamo Club, a life member of the Sangamon County Historical Society, and a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

Carol had many friends; several who were there right up to the end.

Honoring Carol’s wishes, a private graveside service, officiated by Pastor Pam Mitcham, was held at Farmington Cemetery, Farmingdale, IL.

In lieu of flowers, it would bring great joy to Carol that you take someone to dinner, share a toast, or provide some other act of kindness.

Bisch Funeral Home West is honored to serve the Fraase family. Please visit www.bischfuneralhome.com to offer online condolences and share a memory.