William E. "Bill" Friedrich

William E. "Bill" Friedrich, 86, of Lawrenceville, IL, passed away on June 17, 2022, at the Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, IN. He was born February 22, 1936, in Peoria, IL, the son of Alfred A. & Bessie I. (Smith) Friedrich, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Chell.

He is survived by his children, Peggy & husband Dewitt Russell and Leslie Ray Friedrich; his former spouse, Vivian I. Friedrich; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister, Joanne Fritch; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Bill grew up in Peoria and eventually joined the Air National Guard before being called into active duty with the U.S. Air Force in 1961. Serving as an air policeman, one of the more remarkable moments of his time in the military was a special assignment that found him guarding President John F. Kennedy.

Back home, he worked for a number of businesses, including Caterpillar as well as one of the very first Steak & Shake restaurants. He was also a horologist, making and fixing clocks, rewarding work which he enjoyed for many years. Eventually, he got on with Briggs Pottery in Robinson, where he was a kiln operator for 15 years before retiring.

Away from work, Bill spent quite a bit of time antiquing. Though he collected everything from kerosene lamps to flintlock rifles, he was especially drawn to old clocks, which he would repair and restore. These, as well as numerous other antiques, became the medium on which Bill would paint. He was also well-acquainted with canvases, artfully bringing them to life with colorful skill. His creative prowess didn't end there, as he was a skilled pianist as well. The instrument came very naturally to Bill, who could play just about anything by ear. He used his musical talents to glorify the Lord at the United Methodist Village in Lawrenceville, where he joyfully played at nearly every church service.

Though he was baptized on March 25, 1945, he really came to know the Lord personally in the twilight years of his life. His relationship with God was deep and it was real; just ask any of his church family at the Lawrenceville First Christian Church. A man of prayer, he made it his concern to intercede for those within his sphere of influence who had not yet come to know Jesus. We who loved him and were loved by him are assured that on Friday, Bill stepped into glory, met with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 20th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine, with Pastor Jeff Shick officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery, rural Palestine. Memorials may be made to the "Lawrenceville First Christian Church" or the United Service Organizations ("USO"), with envelopes available at the funeral home.