William Freel

January 20, 2016

William Freel

Service Details

William “Bill” Freel passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at the age of 77. Bill was born on May 14, 1938 in Des Moines.

A lifelong resident of the southside he was known by many as the “Mayor of Fleur Drive.” Bill graduated from Dowling High School – in the hard as nails, tough as bricks Class of ’56. Bill started his professional career as a barber. His love for bowling landed him in the bowling business and he became the owner/manager of Air Lanes. He had a long career in sales and retired from American Perfection Basement Waterproofing in 2014.

Bill had a passion for baseball. He was a lifelong Yankee Fan. He was proud of his association with the Ft. Des Moines Little League. He coached many teams leading the 10,11,12 year old Giants to a County Championship in 1980, which was the first time a team from Ft. Des Moines won it all. Bill helped coin the phrase “Now We Roll” which still exists as Ft. Des Moines Little League montra to this day. Bill was the President of the league, and ultimately was inducted to the Ft. Des Moines Little League Hall of Fame.

Bill is survived by his stepfather, Rollie Antle of Des Moines; sister, JoAnn (Gene) West of Ankeny; children, Jeff (Molley) Freel of Des Moines, Jill (Mark Hall) Freel of Kansas City, MO. and Robert (Melanie) Freel of Birmingham, AL.; grandsons, Connor and Robbie Freel of Birmingham, AL. and numerous nieces, nephews, extended large family and beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Bettina (Gazzo) Antle; his father, Rolland H. Freel; and his former wife, Phyllis Benton Freel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 25, 2016 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road, with burial to follow at Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. with a prayer service to begin at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 24, 2016 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Fort Des Moines Little League, for Bill’s love of baseball.

On-line condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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