Frieda Deddo

FRIEDA DEDDO - Mrs. Frieda Deddo (née Marquart), of Columbus, Mississippi, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, August 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 90 years old. Frieda passed from the long-term effects of dementia after a life filled with family, hard work,and a deep connection to both her German heritage and the community she called home.

Frieda was born on December 28, 1935, in Augsburg, Germany, the first of three children born to Friedrich and Theresia Marquart. In 1953 at the age of 18, she immigrated to the United States, settling in Chicago, Illinois. There, she began working at the Superior Match Factory, where she met her husband, Carl Deddo. The two married and shared 63 wonderful years together until Carl’s passing in 2024.

Frieda was a woman who believed strongly in the value of hard work, and instilled that in her three children. She often worked multiple jobs throughout the greater Chicago area while taking great pride in caring for her home and family.

One of Frieda’s greatest joys was cooking for the people she loved. She took particular pride in preparing traditional German dishes, including rouladen, spätzle, and German potato salad. Her food was a way of sharing her heritage and bringing her family together around the table. Frieda also had a love for music, especially the old crooners like Engelbert Humperdinck, Tom Jones, and Elvis Presley. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and made a point of visiting them often, creating memories that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

In 1992, Frieda and Carl moved to Columbus, Mississippi, to be closer to their oldest daughter, Cynthia, and her family and also to enjoy the warmer Southern climate. Frieda quickly became a familiar and well-loved member of the Columbus community. She worked at several local businesses, eventually retiring from both K-Mart and Lowe’s.

Even after moving thousands of miles from Germany, Frieda never lost her connection to her Bavarian roots and remained close to her brother and his family in Augsburg, maintaining those relationships in her native German language throughout her life. She proudly carried her heritage with her, particularly during the Christmas season, when she loved singing German versions of Christmas hymns and prayers.

Frieda’s Catholic faith was another constant throughout her life. Her faith had been instilled in her from childhood and remained an important part of who she was. She was a member of Annunciation Catholic Parish in Columbus.

Frieda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carl; her parents, Friedrich and Theresia Marquart; her brother, Manfred Marquart; and her son-in-law, SMSgt Randy Putnam, USAF, retired.

She leaves behind a loving family who will deeply miss her: her three children, Mrs. Cynthia Putnam; Mr. Timothy Deddo and his wife, Mrs. Joyce Deddo; and Mrs. Jacqueline Beyer and her husband, Mr. Hank Beyer; and her brother, Erich Marquart and his wife, Lotte.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Dexter Deddo, Amanda Putnam, Maj. Ryan Putnam, USAF, and his wife, Aline, Nicholas Deddo, Carley Deddo, Jessica Marcano and her husband, Kevin, and Jacob Beyer; her great-grandchildren, Marley Deddo, River Deddo, Grace Putnam, and Elizabeth Putnam; as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Frieda leaves behind a legacy of strength, perseverance, faith, family, and love. She was a woman who crossed an ocean at 18, built a life in a new country, raised a family, worked hard, cared deeply for those around her, and never forgot where she came from.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the loving team from Baptist Hospice and to Ms. Tammy King, Frieda’s devoted caregiver. Tammy’s compassion and unceasing care allowed Frieda to remain in her beloved home during her final days, surrounded by family.