John William "Bill" Freelove's Obituary
JOHN WILLIAM (BILL) FREELOVE
Bill Freelove passed away Sunday, January 29th at his home in Orem surrounded by his family. He was 81 years old.
Bill was born August 3, 1941 in Las Vegas, NV. He was the third of seven children, and the only son. He was born to John D. Freelove and Elma Knight. He lived in Good Springs, NV until he was 10 years old, and then his family moved to St. George, UT. He graduated from Dixie High School.
Bill served an LDS mission in the Brazil South Mission and loved that experience. He always liked to practice the language and thought everyone should practice with him. Both prior to and after his mission, he joined and served in the National Guard.
Bill met and married Lana Hardy in 1965 and was later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in 1970. Together they have 5 children, 13 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. John (Gina), Loralyn Sisler (Greg), Lee (Maria), Josh (Tania) and Krystal Snelgrove (Jay). His children, grandchildren and great grands are his greatest joy.
In his youth he made lifelong friends and still had those remaining friendships, especially with Ed Seegmiller and Ross Jones. He was very close to his two older sisters, twins, Raye (deceased) and Kaye. They were Irish twins, being only a year and a couple days difference in age. Bill was especially close to Raye’s husband Deloy who he had met at a young age and they had many adventures together.
Bill loved to run, camp, hike, hunt and fish. One of his great memories was taking his boys on multiple backpacking trips to the Wind Rivers in Wyoming. He and his lifelong friend Kelly Rigby went multiple times and loved spending time together.
Bill will always be remembered as a hard worker. He worked on a farm as a young child milking cows. Bill worked at PDM, and later worked at Geneva Steel for 32 years until they shut down. He later was able to obtain a welding inspector certificate and was able to work as a weld inspector until his retirement.
Bill and Lana moved to American Fork shortly after they married, and then moved to Orem where they made their home for 54 years. There are so many wonderful memories there.
He served very faithfully in the church his whole life and shared the importance of serving those around him. He never missed a home teaching appointment and went for many years on the same day every month. He served in many callings throughout his life.
He will be so greatly received on the other side of the veil by so many loved ones. And we’re so happy for the great reunion he is able to have with those that have gone before.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Envision Hospice, for their expert and loving care in guiding us during this difficult time.
Viewing will be before the service from 9am-10:45am at the LDS church building at 590 North 900 West in Orem, Utah.
Funeral services will be February 6th at 11:00am.
Burial will take place at the Orem City Cemetery shortly after the funeral service.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?
