Frieda Mae Keller Brereton 1914~2008

KELLER, BRERETON, DAUB, WALRAVEN, TURNER

Posted By: Mary (email)
Date: 2/19/2008 at 14:08:58

Courtesy of the Ottumwa Courier

OTTUMWA — Frieda Mae (Keller) Brereton, 93, of Ottumwa, formerly of Fairfield, died after a brief illness Feb. 16, 2008.Friends may call at Behner Funeral Home between 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008 in Fairfield.Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of Davis and Wapello Counties, or the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Fairfield. Cards and memorials may be sent c/o: 655 Minneopa Ottumwa, IA 52501.

Frieda was born May 19, 1914 in Jefferson County, the daughter of Katharine (Daub) Keller and Jesse Eugene Keller. Frieda was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County for 90+ years, most recently residing in her own home in Ottumwa.

She married Harold W. Brereton on April 13, 1940 and they were married for 60 years prior to Harold’s death in 2000. Their children include: Helen Brereton (Jon) Walraven of Ottumwa, and Susan Brereton Long of Marion. Grandchildren are Erin Turner Fox, Shawn Turner, Jeff Turner and Laura Long, and great-grandchildren Mitch Turner, Piper Fox, Zoe Fox, Jake Turner, Alicia Turner, and Jenna Turner.

Frieda was preceded in death by her parents, brother Dale Keller in 1983, husband Harold W. Brereton in 2000, and grandson Thomas E. Long in 2004.

Frieda began her working career as a school teacher in the Bradshaw school district at a one-room school. After meeting Harold, they began their life together in 1940 and operated a farm on Glasgow Road until 1973, when they left the farm for the city. Frieda taught a number of years while also working at the White Front Cafe. Then Frieda worked at the Fairfield Credit Bureau prior to the First Christian Church, where she served as church secretary until her retirement. Well into her 80s, she continued to volunteer at the Jefferson County Hospital Gift Shop, attended church regularly, and enjoyed musical productions, particularly “The Follies.”Frieda also creatively organized numerous family reunions and holiday celebrations, as well as her high school class reunions (FHS class of 1932).

She was a member of First Christian Church, Business and Professional Women, the Bradshaw Helping Hand Club and the Hospital Auxiliary.

Special thanks to the loving care Mom received from the staff at Ottumwa Regional Hospital and Hospice House of Davis and Wapello Counties.

Jefferson Obituaries maintained by Bill Rathbun with the