FREY, William O. (Bill)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Wednesday, September 18, 2013 William O. (Bill) Frey Bill has gone to his eternal life in heaven on Sept. 11, 2013, in Prescott, Ariz., surrounded by his loving wife and daughter. He was born and raised in San Pedro, Calif., Oct. 30, 1923. He was married to the love of his life, Dottie, for 71 years, and was blessed with two children, born in Long Beach, Calif., Thomas W. Frey and Kathleen Ann Frey; four grandchildren, Jason Bonde, Evelyn Perkis, Sharon St. Pierre and Wendy Crescitelli; 10 great-grandchildren; and one recently born great-great-grandson. Bill served in the U.S. Army during World War II, stateside two years in the 125th Infantry 42nd Rainbow Div. He became a Prudential Life Insurance debit agent in sales for 25 years in Long Beach. He entered Apprentice Masons in Service Lodge #593, Long Beach, in 1957, transferred to Aztland Lodge #1, F.& A.M., Prescott, in 1979, and has 56 years as Master Mason. He was active in Boy Scouts of America for 15 years as leader from Cub to Explorer Scouts. Bill celebrated his sobriety through AA for 39 years. Bill moved from California to Prescott in 1979. He became a church member at American Evangelical Lutheran Church, singing in the choir for many years. Besides Bill's love for Dottie and his family, they had to share him with his other two loves, Matilda and Elvira. These were his tubas, which he enjoyed playing for care centers, youth groups and civic activities for many years, and with several groups, including Mile Hi Banjo and Geritol Hipsters. He maintained a craft shop creating Western memorabilia, donating many to the Kiwanis auctions over 20 years to raise money for area youth activities. Bill loved people, having a vibrant humor about him that made people feel good during all of his life, and deeply loved his Jesus Christ. A celebration of his life will be 11 a.m. Sept. 21, 2013, at the American Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1085 Scott Drive, Prescott. Pastor Wally Cole will be conducting the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Samaritan Society Hospice, 1964 Ruth St., Prescott, AZ 86301, or AZ Masonic Foundation for burned children, P.O. Box 32605, Tucson, AZ 85751. Arrangements entrusted to Heritage Memory Mortuary, 131 Grove St., Prescott, Ariz. Information provided by survivors.