Oct. 20, 1952 - July 31, 2010

OSCEOLA -- William James "Bill" DeFreese, 57, of Osceola, passed away Saturday (July 31, 2010) at Elkhart General Hospital after a brief illness.

He was born Oct. 20, 1952, to Louis J. "Louie" DeFreese and Elnora Plank in South Bend. He married Cherie L. Wilson on Sept. 11, 1982, in Elkhart.

His father and wife survive him. Also surviving are a daughter, Sarah J. (Jerry) Ferris of Sacramento, Calif.; a son, Scott A. (Katie) DeFreese of Indianapolis; and a sister, Cheryl F. DeFreese of Mishawaka.

He was preceded in death by his mother and a brother, Steve DeFreese.

Bill was a field superintendent for Ancon Construction of Goshen for 25 years. He was a member of Elkhart Moose Lodge 599 and played in the Moose golf league. He was also an avid bowler and played in several area leagues.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations be made to either Michiana Oncology/Hematology, River Bend Cancer Services of St. Joseph County, United Cancer Services of Elkhart County or Elkhart Moose Lodge 599.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Billings Funeral Home. A funeral service will be at noon Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery in Elkhart.