Dr. C. William Freeby

May 13, 1929 - December 31, 2017

Dr. C. William “Bill” Freeby , a former resident of Decatur, Indiana and Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away at 1:17 p.m. on Sunday, December 31, 2017, at the Community Hospital – South in Greenwood, Indiana. He had been in failing health for the past several months.

William was born on May 13, 1929 to Robert B. Freeby and Margaret L. (Zwick) Freeby. He grew up in Decatur, Indiana and attended Decatur High School, graduating in 1947.

His next chapter took place at DePauw University where he met his wife, Marcia (Keyt) Andrews. They were married on August 25, 1951 in Rockford, Illinois at the Court Street United Methodist Church.

Upon graduation from DePauw in 1951, he went to IU Medical School for Family Practice, graduating in 1954. Bill joined the United States Navy in 1954, completing his Medical Internship as a Flight Surgeon. He left active duty in 1957 as a Lt. Commander having served in the Korean War, then joined the reserves until 1970, being honorably discharged as a Lt. Commander (j.g.).

The family returned to Decatur, Indiana where he went into private practice with his uncle, Dr. Harold F. Zwick. While living in Decatur he served Zion Lutheran Church as President, building committee member and an active choir participant. He was also on the Board of Education for the North Adams Community Schools and was on the building committee for the new Bellmont High School. A key family activity during this time was breeding and showing German Shepherds around the Midwest.

In 1971 the family moved to Appleton, Wisconsin where he became vice president and medical director of Aid Association for Lutherans (now Thrivent). During this time, he continued his passion for medicine by moonlighting as an emergency room physician at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. In 1980, he was one of the founders of United Health Services and served as the vice president of medical affairs. In 1984, he became the president and CEO of Appleton Medical Center where he finished his career. He served the community of Appleton through his church, serving as President of Faith Lutheran Church and singing in the choir. He was also on the Board of CASI (Community Alcohol Services Inc), the YMCA where he was also on the Board of Directors, United Way and Appleton Marine Bank (now Chase). He was also involved in supporting his children’s activities, especially swim team and Boy Scouts.

Being active professionally was also important to Bill. He was a member of the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Academy of Family Practice (AFP) where he was a charter member, and the American Academy of Medical Directors. In the State of Wisconsin, he was on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin State Medical Society; a member of the Advisory Council to Wisconsin Hospital Rate Setting Commission; an appointed member of the Peer Review Council, Patient’s Compensation Fund; and served on the Commission on Continuing Medical Education of State Medical Society.

Bill and Marcia enjoyed 23 winters in Perdido Key, FL and enjoyed international travel. His favorite trip was with Dr. Oswald Hoffman and the Lutheran Hour to China.

Those who will miss him include: His wife, Marcia; daughter, Leslie Daugherty and her husband Byron and their children; Ellen, Aaron and Elise. Son, Matthew and his wife Heidi and their children; Marcus and John. Daughter, Johanna Bartlett and her daughter Erika Krukowski. Son, John and his wife Beth and their children; Morgan and Meredith. Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel R. Freeby.

When asked about his greatest accomplishment, he responded that he was proud of his family! He also took great pride in the care that he provided to his patients, especially during his time of service in the United States Navy.

Funeral services for Bill will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2018 in the Zion Lutheran Church, Decatur with Pastor James Voorman officiating. Burial will follow in Decatur Cemetery. Friends and family will be received from 6-8 p.m. on Friday in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home – Decatur and one hour prior to services Saturday in the church .

In lieu of flowers, Bill’s family would request preferred memorials be given to Faith Lutheran Church in Bloomington, IN and Honor Flight – Northeast Indiana.