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Obituary for Tad Freezeland
Tad Freezeland, a retired law enforcement officer and paralegal who lived with his wife Jane in Ashmore, IL, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at the age of 74 at Carle Hospital in Urbana surrounded by his family. Tad leaves behind his loving wife Jane Freezeland; his mother; a sister; his sons Tad (Jackie) Freezeland of Charleston and Jamon (Tonya) Freezeland of Casey, as well as Phillip Freezeland of Odin and Terry Garrett of Oakland; several grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren Byntlee, Aubriella, and Brinley. He is predeceased by his father and step-father. Tad was born in Litchfield, IL on September 8, 1945 to Calvin Freezeland and Sarah “Petie” Degler (later married to Bob Hochmuth). He was a 1964 graduate of Staunton High School. On July 13, 1968, he married his sweetheart Janie Elston to whom he remained devoted for the rest of his life. Most people knew Tad either for his long career in law enforcement or for being an accomplished musician. Tad enjoyed playing bass guitar all over the country in such bands as “Plain Jane” and “Beef Easter Band,” and he always beamed with pride sharing a stage with his wife Jane. Tad was a deputy for the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, a police officer at Divernon Police Department, and he later served as Chief of Police in Illiopolis and in Oakland, Illinois. He retired as the Head Bailiff at the Coles County Courthouse, and he recounted numerous fond memories of his co-workers there. Tad was a respected law enforcement officer and was a mentor to many. When he wasn’t working or making music, Tad was a devoted son, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to his family and loved raising his chickens. Most family events centered around Jane’s tremendous cooking, and the world will forever ponder the mystery of how Tad stayed so lean. He was the family’s Mr. Fix-It, and was the first call anyone made when something wasn’t working right. After any project, or for no reason at all really, there would be a cup of coffee to visit by. He had a laid back demeanor, an easy laugh, and a knack for making others feel relaxed in his presence. He was happiest surrounded by his grandkids and great grandkids. No funeral services are being held, in part because of the ongoing pandemic, but also because Tad would never have wanted “people gawking at him.” Instead, the family has requested a “Celebration of Life” parade, to be held Saturday, May 23, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Friends and family should gather at the Ashmore Village Park at 12:45 p.m., located at 1000 S. Indiana St. in Ashmore, where they can line up to drive past the Freezeland residence. Cards and flowers may be sent to Jane Freezeland, 9225 N County Road 2600E, Ashmore, IL 61912. Donations will also be welcomed to assist with medical and funeral expenses.
