William "Bill" M. Dreibelbis Jr. D.D.S.

**In Loving Memory of William Martin Dreibelbis Jr.**

In the gentle quiet of October’s first light, we bid farewell to William Martin Dreibelbis Jr. (aka Bill, Billy from Burchard, Billy D, Dreibo, Bill Brother, and Doc), a man whose life was as full as it was generous. Born with the spirit of an adventurer and the heart of a family man, Billy D's story weaves a tapestry of love, creativity, laughter, and unyielding storytelling.

A graduate of Loyola Dental School, adorned with Phi Beta Kappa honors, Billy D found his calling as a family dentist and an artist. His meticulous hands, so skilled in crafting smiles, also tenderly shaped the lives of those he held dear. With his beloved wife by his side, he built a family rich in love, resilience, and shared memories. Together, they raised two daughters, whose hearts carry forward his kindness and strength.

He is survived by his wife, Julie Dreibelbis, and daughters, Amy Fairweather and Cara Dreibelbis; his sons-in-law, Benjamin Fairweather and Brian Babcock; and granddaughters, Nilaya Schulz, Sachi Schulz, Elaine Babcock, and Annaleigh Babcock. He is also survived by his sister, Pamela Duszynski; brother-in-law, Adrian Duszynski; brother-in-law, Bill Keithley; sister-in-law, Maureen Keithley, and many nieces and nephews. They all walked beside him as both friends and family.

William was not only known as a builder of memories, but also a seeker of moments. On the greens of the Freeport Country Club—his second home—he etched his name into the earth with an untouchable course record of 63 (with wooden clubs). By the end of his golf career, he had 9 City Championship titles. But the true magic of his game was found not in the trophies, but in the joy of a well-swung club, the camaraderie of friends, and the beauty of a sunset over the 18th hole.

Nature’s wild places called to him, and Billy D answered. His feet traced the forests of Bolivia, Venezuela, and the depths of the Amazon, where he marveled at the wonders of the world with the same awe he brought to every corner of his life. Hunting, fishing, wood carving, and simply being among the trees brought him peace, and in turn, he gave that gift to others.

Most of all, Billy D will be remembered as a giver—of love, of time, and of himself. A man whose generosity stretched beyond his family, into the hearts of every person he met.

Today, the world feels quieter without him, but in every laughter-filled memory, in every story told of his adventures and triumphs, Billy D lives on. His presence, like the echoes of a perfect drive down the fairway or the ripples in a still forest lake, will forever remain.

Rest in peace, William Martin Dreibelbis Jr.—brother, husband, father, grandfather, adventurer, and friend. You have built memories that will last a lifetime.

A Celebration of Life Party for all of those he has touched along the way will be held at the Freeport Club on October 19, 2024 at 4pm-8pm.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Billy D’s memory.