Frieda Karolina Homolatsch

Frieda Karolina Homolatsch, 83 of Springfield died at 02:44 a.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at her residence. The daughter of Wendelin Vogler and Anna Reiter who both preceded her in death, she was born December 12, 1920 in Neu Ulm, Germany. On November 3, 1942 in the city of Zittau, province of Sachsen, Germany she married Viktor Homolatsch of Ostrava, Mahrish, Czechoslovakia. He preceded her in death October 27, 1998. Serving as a Red Cross Nurse in Germany during WWII, after the Homolatsch family immigrated to Springfield in 1952 she was subsequently employed as a waitress at the SoHo and later served as hostess to the Black Angus and Mansion View Restaurants. In later years Mrs. Homolatsch became a tour guide of the Lincoln Tomb. She, along with her family, was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Parish. A bilingual interpreter of German and English she additionally enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, cooking and reading. A life-long learner, Mrs. Homolatsch was among the oldest graduates of the Lawrence Adult Education Center and, as Principal Jack Pfeiffer stated “…a walking advertisement that it’s never too late to learn and complete school. “ Exhibiting a great love for animals both stray and her own Mrs. Homolatsch always had a kind word, smile and words of encouragement for all who knew her. She is survived by her son: Tassilo Homolatsch of Champaign, two daughters: Anna (husband, Jerry) Merrick of Bushnell and Maggie (husband, Victor) Baptiste of Springfield, three grandchildren: Debbie (husband, Mike) Sorrill of Canton and Jerry (wife, Heidi) Merrick, Jr. of New Windsor, two great grandchildren, Alicia and Daniel Sorrill of Canton and Eli Merrick of New Windsor, sister: Priska (husband, Joseph) McNutt of El Paso, TX. The family will receive friends from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Monday, March 1, 2004 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home. Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 1, 2004 at Blessed Sacrament Church with Rev. Msgr. Kevin W. Vann, celebrant. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702-1766. The family of Frieda Homolatsch is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.