William F. Freiler

William F. Freiler, aged 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, surrounded by his family. Bill was born on June 26, 1931, in his childhood home at 928 Spruce St. in Ashland, PA. He was preceded in death by parents William and Margaret (Tilmont) and siblings Wilfred, Rose, Robert, and Helen. He is survived by wife Helene (Gazell), with whom he shared 65 years of marriage, daughter Lisa (Shaun Haghighat) and son Christopher (Michele), and grandchildren Megan and Kyle.

After serving as a Sergeant in the Army of the United States during the Korean War era, where he trained Women's Army Corps personnel on operations, Bill brought that same disciplined work ethic to a 30-year career at IBM, from 1955-1985. Always needing to be productive, Bill continued to work at a variety of publishing companies into his 80s in utility positions that drew on his versatility and lifelong instinct for problem-solving. In addition to his work, Bill donated to a range of charities throughout his life, including St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Indian School. Bill was devoted to the Holy Rosary, the Holy Family, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower. He was a man of quiet reliability, and he showed his love through presence and work rather than words.

Memorial contributions can be made to either of the charities listed above.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church, 434 W Park St, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Funeral Mass will start at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL.