Constance Jean “Connie” Freels, 98, of Centralia passed away peacefully, Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Heritage Woods in Centralia, just a few days away from celebrating her 99th birthday. She was born on July 13, 1927, in Mascoutah, the daughter of E.W. and Florence (Schubert) Mann. She married her soul mate, Bob Freels on September 27, 1947, at St. Johns United Church of Christ in Mascoutah. Bob preceded her in death on October 7, 2002.

Survivors that will remember Connie’s generous heart and loving spirit include her beloved family, sons, Brad (Nancy) Freels of Mount Vernon, Illinois, Scott (Angie) Freels of Centralia, Illinois, and Kirk (Melodee) Freels of Centralia, Illinois; daughter-in-law, Nancy Freels of Centralia, Illinois; grandchildren, Tommy (Sarah) Freels, Dustin Freels, Blake (Jessica) Freels Mandy (Luke) Jones, Dallas Freels, Lindsey (Luke) Sailer, Arianna Freels, Betsey Garden, Kristen West, Kara (Patrick) Davidson, Aaron Harper, Abeni (Blake) Miller, Nikki (Adam) Langenfeld, Caleb Fuchs, Taylor Fuchs; great-grandchildren, Chase, Charlie, Remi, Chesni, Jaxi, Crew, Tripp, Chloe, Hayden, Myia, Allaire, Brayden, Kevin, Connor, Caleb Jr., Madelinn, Skylar, Layla, Axton; and nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Along with her husband of 55 wonderful years, Bob Freels, Connie was preceded in death by her parents, E.W. and Florence Mann; sons, Todd Mann Freels, and Craig Robert Freels; brothers, Bill Mann, and Dick Mann.

Connie was a faithful member of St. Peters United Church in Centralia, where she shared her talent for singing in the choir. She was a member of ERM Society, and Church Women United. Connie was active in the community she called home, a member of bridge clubs, and a former member of the Centralia Elks. She was a loyal employee at Byrd Watson Pharmacy in Centralia for thirty-eight years. Connie was a lunch room supervisor for Centralia High School, and she also worked at Kaskaskia Workshop. Connie was a loyal Centralia Orphan fan.

A celebration of life service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Don Smith officiating. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. Monday at Mascoutah City Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband, Bob. Relatives and friends are welcome to a visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the funeral home in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Connie’s honor to CHSAA/CHS Tennis Memorial. Online condolences and memories of Connie may be shared with her family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.