William Patrick Freeze

William 'Bill' Freeze was born February 17, 1957 and raised in Elkhart, Indiana and passed away, earning his wings, after a brief illness on June 3, 2021 in Lakeland, Florida. Bill spent all of his professional life as an ASE Certified Master Automotive Technician. He had an artistic side that was best displayed with wood, with wood turning, and furniture making.

Bill had a life-long passion for motorcycles and racing. In his younger years, Bill raced motorcross and cars in Indiana. In later years, he enjoyed riding with friends to Sturgis, Laconia, Myrtle Beach and Daytona. He was also a riding member of the Florida Vulcan club and the US Spyder Ryders Florida West Coast Chapter. Bill loved auto racing and attended weekly races at local tracks throughout central Florida, with late models and sprint cars being his favorite.

Wood turning was a favorite hobby of Bill's and he quickly became an artisan and craftsman. He had a passion for teaching and sharing wood turning with anyone who had an interest. He joined and was an active member of the local Polk County Wood Turners and the Tri-County Wood Turning groups. Bill has also spent a number of years working at the wood turning booth at the Florida State Fair doing demos and talking to people about wood turning.

Bill is the son of the late Billy & Joan Freeze. He is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Theresa Freeze and his mother-in-law, Bonnie Perhne. Bill is survived by his wife, Julie Freeze, sister, Kathleen 'Katie' Freeze, brother-in-law, Randy Westenfelder and uncle, Russ DeWitt. Bill was loved by many more extended family and friends.

Bill was cremated per his wishes. Family and friends will gather on Saturday, June 26th for a Celebration of Life. Please contact Lanier Funeral and Cremation Services for details at 863.687.3996.

Online condolences may be left for the family at lanier.care.

 

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