William J. Frieder

William Joseph Frieder (Bill, Billy), 79, died at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee on August 1, 2023. He was born on June 19, 1944 in Manitowoc, where he grew up with his parents, Romy and Luella Frieder, and his brother and sister. Bill's first job was helping deliver bread and other items from Frieder's Bakery to local grocery stores, then driving a delivery truck after receiving his driver's license. He graduated from Manitowoc Lincoln High School in 1962.
Inspired by his love of folk musical groups including Peter, Paul, and Mary; the Chad Mitchell Trio; and the Kingston Trio; Bill formed a group called The Beachcombers with his friends Mike Harvey and Dick Hermann. The Beachcombers performed at bars and festivals in Manitowoc and Door Counties between 1962 and 1965 with Bill playing guitar. The group was managed by their friend Jack Kocourek. Throughout his life, Bill wrote poems and songs for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays, and enjoyed playing the guitar and accordion.
Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1965 and was stationed at Strategic Air Command Headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha, NE. He monitored worldwide military air traffic using early computers and was honorably discharged in 1969 at the rank of Staff Sergeant. While in the Air Force, Bill earned a bachelor of arts degree from Bellevue College in Bellevue, NE.
Bill married Judy Ellen Landmark on June 26, 1971. They had two sons, Steven and David. From 1969 to 2001, Bill worked for companies affiliated with Newell Rubbermaid Corporation, including Mirro, Foley, and EZ Paintr. Bill's career took them to Omaha, New Berlin, WI, and then back to Manitowoc in 1995. Bill served as president of EZ Paintr in Saint Francis, WI from 1991 to 1995 and as president of Mirro/Wear-Ever in Manitowoc from 1995 until his retirement in 2001.
Bill cared about the Manitowoc community and served on the boards of directors of the Capitol Civic Centre, Silver Lake College (Campaign 2000 chair), Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA, and United Way of Manitowoc County (1999 campaign chair). He was a member of the American Legion, AMVETS, the Knights of Columbus, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Bill was also a longtime member of the Saint Francis of Assisi Men's Choir. It is likely that no one ate more hamburgers from Late's and Bud Willman's than Bill over the course of his life.
Bill was an avid Marquette Golden Eagles basketball fan and also cheered for the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. A lifelong reader, he also enjoyed playing cribbage and Shanghai rummy. He was happiest spending time with his grandchildren Abby (16) and George (14) and attending their concerts and athletic events.
Bill is survived by his sons Steven of Milwaukee and David of Whitefish Bay; dear daughter-in-law Sara Blankenheim Frieder; cherished grandchildren Abby and George; and by his brother: Tom (Mary) Frieder of Manitowoc; and brother-in-law Bill Maples of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. He is also survived by brothers- and sisters-in-law Richard (Shelva) Landmark of Sisseton, SD; Bonnie (John) Konrath of Waverly, MN; Darell (Diane) Landmark of Montevideo, MN; David (Janet) Landmark of Madras, OR: and Sheryl (Gary) Standly of Lakeville, MN. Bill is survived by 19 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Judy (May 11, 1947-January 26, 2019); his parents, Romy and Luella Frieder; his beloved sister, Mary Ellen Frieder Maples; and by his sister-in-law, Linda Landmark Gordon.
Memorial services will be held 11:30 a.m. on Monday, August 7, 2023 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Grand, 1416 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Fred Zagone, S.J. Relatives and friends may call at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Grand from 9 a.m. until the time of services at 11:30 a.m. Reception at Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 N. Water St, Manitowoc, following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Capitol Civic Centre (913 S. 8th St., Manitowoc); Marquette Blue & Gold Scholarship Fund (PO Box 1881, Milwaukee 53201); or any of the charities listed above appreciated.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
To view a recording of Bill's services, please click the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVAiMAdOacE
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