Billy A. Free Sr., age 89 of Sheboygan passed away Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Billy was born July 26, 1936 in Manitowoc to the late Arthur and Lydia (Lenz) Free. He was a 1950 graduate of Central High School. On February 19, 1954, he was united in marriage to Catherine Paulson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sheboygan. Billy owned and operated Billy Free’s Standard Service Station on the corner of 9th and Erie. He was then employed by Gilson Brothers until his retirement. After his retirement, Billy enjoyed working at Free Enterprise where he was affectionately known as “Guy”. He was known for his strong work ethic and generous spirit, and was the person many turned to when they needed a helping hand with errands or odd jobs. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, going to the casino, and was a member of Neighbors Against Drugs.
Survivors include his loving wife Catherine “Cathy”, his children Beth (Stephen) Lockwood, Brian (Peggy) Free, Billy D. Jr. (Darla) Free, all of Sheboygan.
12 Grandchildren: Jennifer (Jason) Shidler, Amy (Nick) Verhagen, Andy (Erin) Hopfensperger, Laura (Alex) Hernandez, Sarah (Bryan) Zellmer, Kyle (Becca) Jagler, Allison (Brandon) Bodager, Lindsay (Eric) VerStraate, Stephanie (Casey) Spitzer, Tyler Free, Nolan (Stephanie) Free, and Lizbeth (Mark) Ropella.
26 Great-Grandchildren: Gaby, Chase, Crosby, Casey, Addison, Benjamin, Lucas, Colton, Mikayla, Jacob, Juan, Amaya, Aliana, Braelyn, Adalyn, Aubrey, Brycen, Everett, Nora, Theo, Emilia, Finn, Liv, Elias, Iris and Margo.
Brother Mike Free and Brother-in-Law Trevor Paulson.
Billy was preceded in death by his Daughter, Brenda Jagler and other family members.
Family and friends may gather at the Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home, 1535 S. 12th Street, Sheboygan on Monday, July 27 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. Pastor Berg will officiate. Burial will follow in the Lutheran Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the caregivers from Aurora Hospice for their care and compassion while supporting Billy and his family.
Date: Monday Jul 27, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home [map]
Date: Monday Jul 27, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home [map]