Rita M. Frecker

Rita M. Frecker, 93 of New Haven, Indiana passed away in the early morning of Friday June 19, 2026 at Parkview Regional Medical Center.

She was born March 19, 1933 in Monroeville, Indiana to the late Raymond and Olive (Dager) Gerardot.

Rita was united in marriage to Eugene Frecker on January 27, 1951, at St. Louis Catholic Church, Besancon during her senior year of high school. They shared 72 years of marriage before Eugene preceded her in death on August 31, 2023.

Rita was a devoted homemaker who also partnered in operating the family farm, all while serving her community for many years as a dedicated school bus driver for East Allen County Schools. A woman of faith, she was a long-time member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Besancon in New Haven.

Rita’s greatest joy in life was her family; she cherished every opportunity to attend the activities, sporting events, and milestones of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking immense pride in all their accomplishments. Blessed with remarkable talent and creativity, she was an accomplished seamstress who lovingly crafted bridesmaids’ dresses, prom gowns, and jockey silks. Her vibrant spirit shone through her many passions, which included traveling, and sharing countless happy hours square dancing across the region with her beloved Gene, enjoying occasional trips to the casino, and enthusiastically cheering on her favorite basketball teams, especially the Purdue Boilermakers and the Indiana Fever.

She is survived by son, Ken Frecker of New Haven, Indiana; son, Tom (Diana) Frecker of New Haven, Indiana; son Garald “Gary” (Ronna) Frecker of New Haven, Indiana; daughter, Barb (Ed) Strubel of Fort Wayne, Indiana; brother, Jerry (Laura) Gerardot of Monroeville, Indiana. Eight grandchildren: Renee (Shane) Zellers, Kenton Frecker, Troy Frecker, Travis Frecker, Karrie Buuck, Kurt (Amy) Frecker, Ivy (Adam) Hanford, and Mae Strubel. Ten great-grandchildren: Lane Zellers, Kate Zellers, Jake Zellers, Alex Buuck, Chase Buuck, Tyler Buuck, Carter Frecker, Cole Frecker, Gabe Hanford, and Lucy Hanford.

She is preceded in death by a grandson, Tony Frecker on February 5, 2018

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026 St. Louis Catholic Church, Besancon with Father Sam Anderson officiating.

Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel, Monroeville and one hour prior to Mass on Thursday at the church

The Holy Rosary will be recited at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel.

Preferred Memorials to Masses; Humane Fort Wayne.