Celia Genkinger Frankfother

Celia Genkinger Frankfother, 96, of Freeport, died Wednesday June 1, 2016 at Manor Court in Freeport. Celia was born August 6, 1919 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the daughter of Clyde and Lena (Hasche) Smith. She married Robert Genkinger on October 23, 1937 in Sterling, IL. Mr. Genkinger passed away on March 23, 1972. She then married Burton Frankfother on November 18, 1978. Mr. Frankfother passed away on July 17, 1994. Celia worked as a cook at Sterling High School, with her husband Robert; she owned and operated Bob & Celia's Tap in Forreston from January 1958 through August 1971. She then worked as a cook at Colonial Acres in Sterling. Celia was a former member of the Methodist Church in Sterling, and was a former member of the Sterling Moose Lodge. She enjoyed knitting and doing crochet work. Surviving are son, Martin (Linda) Genkinger of Freeport; daughter, Diana (Gerald) Wilke of Sherman, IL.; grandchildren, Wayne (Donna) Genkinger of Freeport, Peter (Stacy) Wilke of Middleville, Michigan, and Karen (Eddie Sr.) Holden of Freeport; and six great-grandchildren, Andrea Genkinger, David Genkinger, Eddie Holden Jr., Chris Holden, Gavin Wilke and Keaton Wilke. Celia was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, three sisters, two brothers, two grandsons, and a son-in-law. Graveside services be held 1:30 P.M. Friday June 3, 2016 at Oak Knoll Memorial Park (18268 Pennington Road, Sterling, Illinois 61081). There will be no visitation. A memorial has been established in Celia's memory. Please sign her guestbook at www.burketubbs.com.