Theodora Marcia “Teddy” (Fregin) Von Arx, 93, of Caledonia, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2024. Teddy was born September 16, 1930 to Theodore A. Fregin and Elizabeth M. (Taylor) Fregin. She grew up in La Crosse, Wis., and graduated from Aquinas High School in 1948. Teddy married William V. “Bill” Von Arx on August 11, 1956 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in La Crosse. She worked for a short time as a secretary prior to having children. They briefly lived in Cottage Grove, Minn., and La Crescent, Minn., before settling in Caledonia, Minn. The Catholic faith was of utmost importance to her. She had a strong work ethic. She was a devoted mother, homemaker, excellent cook, avid gardener, and enjoyed caring for all kinds of plants. She loved to read, especially mysteries and historical novels. She enjoyed playing the piano, and at family gatherings she and Bill loved singing with relatives. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she and Bill sang in the choir for many years. She also participated in many parish activities.
Teddy is survived by seven children: William of Winona, Minn., Nancy (Pete) Szotkowski of Madison, Wis., Joseph (Beth) of Rockford, Ill., Stephen (Anita) of St. Charles, Minn., Christopher (Christina Viehauser) of Van Wert, Iowa, Erika (Dan) Lind of Peterson, Minn., and Francesca (Dave) Ortmeier of La Crosse, Wis. She has been blessed with 25 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by sisters Frannie Von Arx of Houston, Minn., and Susie Sanford of North Port, Ala.; and sister-in-law Dolores Benz of Portland, Oreg.
Preceding her in death were her husband Bill, grandson, Maximilian Von Arx, great-grandson Aden Gervais, her parents, her sister Liz (George) Von Arx, her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Richard Sandford, Alfred (Evelyn) Von Arx, Otto (Marge) Von Arx, Paul (Betty) Von Arx, Bernice (Don) Cavanaugh, Walter (Rita) Von Arx, Marguerite (Les) Sheehan, Jacob (Jean) Von Arx, Helen (Bill) Hoskins, Joseph (Phyllis) Von Arx, Don Benz, Francis Von Arx, and Rita (Bill) Hayes.
A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Fr. Andrew Vogel will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Caledonia, Minn., on Saturday, February 3 at 11 a.m. Public visitation will be at Holy Family Hall adjacent to St. Mary’s Church at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Mary’s Church and St. Mary’s School. McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia, is assisting the family.
Teddy’s family would like to thank Eagle Crest South and Gundersen Hospice Staff for their care, and family and friends for their constant prayers, love, and support.
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