Lucile Anne (Konzen) Friederich, 96, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 18, 2024, at Meridian Village in Glen Carbon, Illinois.  She was born July 26, 1927, in St. Louis, Missouri, daughter to the late Dr. Leo H. and Edith (White) Konzen.

Lucile’s unwavering faith was evident through her service as a Eucharistic minister and choir member at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Granite City. Her academic pursuits led her to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, followed by an associate degree in nursing from Belleville Area College, now known as SWIC. Her passion for teaching shone brightly as she guided young minds in both the Granite City Public School system and St. Elizabeth grade school. Lucile’s nurturing spirit helped countless children discover their potential and navigate the complexities of life; she was the embodiment of compassion and dedication. She was an avid quilter and member of the St. Elizabeth Parish Ladies' Quilting group. Additionally, Lucile had a deep love for sewing, crocheting and needlework. These creative pursuits were woven into the fabric of her life, reflecting her nurturing spirit and dedication to both her craft and the people around her. She also enjoyed gardening and traveling, her adventures taking her to Italy, Hawaii, Alaska, and Australia. Her patience and humble nature were a source of inspiration to all who knew her. As we bid farewell to Lucile, we celebrate the indelible mark she left on this world. Her memory will continue to guide and uplift us, a testament to a life well-lived and a spirit that will forever resonate in the hearts of those she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Leo H. and Edith (White) Konzen; her beloved husband of nearly 72 years, Leonard J. Friederich; her son, Dr. Mark S. Friederich; and her sisters, Jeanne Lynch and Carmelita Friederich.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her children, Susan (Dr. Randall) Bell, of Goreville, Illinois, Michael (Janet) Friederich, of Omaha, Nebraska, Jane (Thomas) Reis, of Edwardsville, Illinois, and Diane (Michael) Tyson, of Fairdale, West Virginia; her grandchildren, Katherine (Shannon) Watson, Amy (Seth) Schuchman, Keith (Julie) Friederich, Stephen (Christin) Friederich, Andria (Morgan) Schram, David Friederich, Aaron Reis, and Brooke (Trevor) Becherer; her 17 great grandchildren; her brother, Leo H. Konzen, her daughter-in-law, Kay Friederich and many other relatives and friends.

Memorials are appreciated to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church or to Heartland Hospice.

Condolences may also be expressed online at www.irwinchapel.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon, Friday April 5, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 2300 Pontoon Rd., Granite City, Illinois.

Funeral: A Memorial Mass will be held at 12 Noon, Friday, April 5, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Granite City, with Father Alfred Tumwesigye officiating.  Inurnment will follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, in Edwardsville, Illinois.