Constance Mae “Connie” Frey

Constance Mae “Connie” Frey

Iowa City

Constance Mae “Connie” Frey, 81, of Iowa City, died Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, at a local care center.

A time for family and friends can gather to remember Connie will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. Private graveside services will take place at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her memory to Camp Courageous in Monticello, 12007 190th. St., Monticello, IA 52310. To share a thought memory or condolence with her family, please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website at www.gayandciha.com.

Constance Mae Kling was born June 8, 1941, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Ralph and Norma (Johnson) Kling. Growing up in Dubuque, she graduated from high school there. She was united in marriage to Anthony “Tony” Frey on Feb. 8, 1964. The couple and their family ended up in Iowa City in 1975 after spending time in Midland, Mich.; Ames, Iowa; Trondheim, Norway; and Fort Collins, Colo.

Connie had a generous heart and a warm laugh. She enjoyed so much in life: music, baking, knitting, Hallmark movies, fishing at the cabin, shopping, simply driving around, birds at her feeders, slot machines at the casino and, of course, her dogs. But nothing brought her more joy and contentment than her family. She especially loved being with children and was provided ample opportunity having four kids in 18 years. As her youngest left home, grandkids began arriving! When watching her grandkids, she encouraged finger painting, dress-up, Play-Do creations, “helping” in the kitchen, blanket forts, among other activities. She couldn’t have been more proud of her children and grandchildren. She was also dedicated to her first-born, Rick, who had Down’s Syndrome, visiting him weekly at his supported living home for years until the pandemic hit. Connie was known for her warm smile, easy laugh, and sharing nature. Gift giving, especially gifts for her children and grandchildren, brought her joy. She openly shared stories of her life with those around her, and remembered fondly numerous adventures that ended in fits of laughter, several with her sister Cherie.

Her family includes her children, Laura Frey Law (Ian Law), Steven Frey (Lisa) and Katie (Frey) Schroeder (Derek Schroeder); grandchildren, Erika Law Tuttle (Mike Tuttle), Kelsey Law, David Frey, Raema Frey, Jonathan Frey, Naomi Frey, Selah Frey, Nyle Schroeder and Peyton Schroeder; great-grandson, Levi Tuttle; and her sister, Cherie Souhrada (Dave).

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Anthony L. “Tony”; and their son, Eric J. “Rick” Frey.