Mr. C. William "Bill" Freyberg, 85, of Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at home at 4:43 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 2015. Born on April 14, 1930, in Tiffin, Ohio, Coan William Freyberg was a treasured son of Frederick F. and Eileen Paxton Freyberg. At the age of 6 months, his family moved to Van Buren where he spent his youth with a brother, Fred, until age 12. The family moved to Chicago, and Bill graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1948. In pursuit of his lifelong dream to become a journalist, Bill studied journalism at Indiana University. His collegiate years were interrupted when he served our country with the U.S. Marines during the Korean War from December 1951 through December 1953. Returning stateside, he continued his studies at I.U. and graduated with his bachelor's degree in journalism in 1955. On Valentine's Day in 1952, Bill came home from the Marines on a brief leave to marry the love of his life, Janet Lee Smith. These best friends shared more than 63 years of life's adventures. From their union came three wonderful children, Larry, Becky and Jerry. Over the years, the family tree grew with the added blessings of four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Bill's initial assignment was with The Rochester Sentinel as its sports writer. His career with The Sentinel spanned more than 37 years, ending in 1992 when he was serving our newspaper as its editor. Community oriented with a giving heart, Bill helped launch Rochester's Little League program in 1955, serving as one of the four original managers. He served Rochester as past president of the chamber of commerce and the United Way. With a love for theater, he was a member of the Fulton County Players, serving the theater troop as sheriff during productions of "Fiddler on the Roof" and the "Music Man." A devoted member of the Grace United Methodist Church for more than six decades, Bill was actively involved in his church, serving on various committees and teaching Sunday school classes. He also served on the board of the Northern Indiana County Community Foundation for many years. As the proud patriarch of the Freyberg family, overseeing four generations, Grandpa Bill was delighted with visits, cherishing his time spent with grandchildren and the greats too! As vibrant parents and grandparents, Janet and Bill were actively involved, cheering on the generations at their sporting activities, attending concerts, plays and academic honors. To relax, he enjoyed the game of golf. Left to cherish Bill's memory are his wife Janet at home; a daughter Becky Hart and husband John of Mentone; two sons: Larry Freyberg of North Port, Florida, and Jerry Freyberg and wife Tammy of Dothan, Alabama; four grandchildren: Carmen Christine Rockwell and husband Stephen, Shelley Eileen Hart, Bradley Alan Freyberg and wife Jackie, Mark Andrew Freyberg; four great-grandchildren: Trenten, Courtney and Payten Sainer and Kora Rockwell; a sister-in-law Donna Smith; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents and a brother, Fred Freyberg Jr. Pastor Maurice Grindle will officiate services. Burial will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.