Gretchen Biel Freed

She was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania on July 5th, 1929 to Walter and Celestine Popney Biel, the youngest of six children.

In 1948 Gretchen married Byron “Bud” Windoft and moved from Titusville to Lakewood, New York in 1950 where their seven children were born.

A second marriage to Joseph Freed began in 1971. Upon Gretchen’s retirement from Blue Cross of Western New York in 1992 they moved to Venice, Florida. Shortly after the move her second husband passed away in 1993.

Gretchen started life over in Venice making new friends on the golf course and in many bridge groups. She was an accomplished club champion golfer, earning the nickname “Gretchen straight down the middle”. She introduced the sport of golf to many of her children and grandchildren playing well into her 90’s. Gretchen also enjoyed sharing and teaching her knowledge of the many games she knew and played so well.

In 1999 Gretchen had the good fortune to meet Ray LeBeau and they became a well known couple in the Pelican Point golf community. They shared twenty four happy years together.

In addition to her parents and siblings, she was preceded in death by granddaughter Whitney Bolles in 2021.

Gretchen is survived by her dear companion Ray LeBeau, Venice, Florida, a half sister Jane Titus, Titusville, Pennsylvania, her seven children Celeste Bolles (Dana), Dayton, Ohio, Betsy Johnson, Lakewood, Kellie Bargar (David), Lakewood, Maryann Whitney (Robert), Venice Florida, Thomas Windoft (Andrea), Lakewood, Michael Windoft, Erie, Pennsylvania, Casey Windoft (Amy), Lakewood, step children Greg Freed, (Betsy), Ellijay, Georgia, Jody Dickinson (Lance), Westfield, New York, 13 grandchildren Apryl Troutman (Mike), Todd Whitney (Abbey), Nate Bargar, Jeffrey Bolles (Jessica), Greg Jackson (Daile), Kristen Evans (Billy), Will Bargar (Karin), Ben Windoft, Brock Windoft (Julia), Emily Kirschler (Wally), Carter Windoft, Sara Windoft, Cristofer Windoft, step grand children Robin Miller, Casey Dickinson, Matthew Freed, Amy Dickinson and 17 great grandchildren.

The family gratefully acknowledges the care by staff at The Windsor of Venice Assisted Living. Excellent end of life care was provided by Affinity Continuum Care Hospice of Sarasota 8590 Potter Park Drive, Suite B, Sarasota, Florida, 34238 where memorials may be sent.

A Celebration of Life will be held privately at the convenience of the family.