William Cruden Freitag

William Cruden Freitag of Maumee, age 85, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2024, at Ohio Living Swan Creek. He was born in Chicago, IL to Ralph & Ruth Freitag. He shared many childhood memories with his sister, Beth, and later, his stepbrother, Chuck. He was a graduate of Fenger High School in 1958. He continued his education by earning a BS at Valparaiso University, where he also met the love of his life, Gayle, and got married in 1963. They moved to Maumee, OH, and Bill got a job as a Speech Pathologist for Sylvania City Schools. He furthered his education by earning his MA at BGSU and, later, postgraduate work at UT. His commitment to education led him to active involvement with the NW Ohio Speech and Hearing Association where he took on many distinguished roles, particularly as the Director of the Department of Special Education for Sylvania Schools, before retiring in 1998. Bill enjoyed volunteering. He was a park ranger at the Metroparks. He also volunteered at St. Luke's Hospital, and the public libraries (specifically his involvement with the Maumee Library's Children's Garden), and he was an active member in his church at Trinity Lutheran. In addition to his professional accomplishments and service to others, Bill found the most joy in spending time with family & friends. Whether it was vacationing, golfing, playing poker (solving the world's problems), or simply going out to eat, he treasured every single moment spent with his loved ones. He will be dearly missed as a devoted husband of 60 years to Gayle; as a loving father to his children, Karen (Jerry) Francis; Kristy (Phil) Snyder; and Chad Freitag; and as a doting grandfather to his granddaughters, Riley and Hope Snyder. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his stepmother, Leona Freitag, and his grandson, Tyler William Snyder. Bill leaves behind a foundation of love, faith, and humor that will be remembered by all who knew and cherished him. The visitation will be held at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 Reynolds Rd, on Friday, February 16 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. The funeral will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 4560 Glendale Ave, on Saturday, February 17 at 11:00 a.m. All family and friends are welcome to attend. Memorial contributions in Bill's name may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Swan Creek Metropark. Please view Bill's video tribute and leave a condolence message for the family at CoyleFuneralHome.com.

William Cruden Freitag

November 21, 1938 - February 9, 2024