William Gerald “Bill” Frederick, 81, a longtime resident of St. Maries, Idaho, passed away on October 25, 2026, at Benewah Community Hospital in St. Maries.

Bill was born on September 15, 1945, in Boise, Idaho, to Reginald and Barbara Frederick. He spent his childhood growing up in Bowdoinham, Maine, and graduated from Richmond High School with the Class of 1964. Following graduation, Bill went to work at an auto body shop, where he began learning the skills that would become his lifelong trade and passion.

In 1964, while camping in the woods of Maine, Bill met Annie Cross and the two hit it off right away. What began as a chance meeting in the woods turned into a love story that would last more than 60 years. After two years of dating, Bill and Annie were married on August 27, 1966, in Maine. They made their first home in Bowdoinham, where they began building their life and raising their family together.

In 1977, Bill and Annie packed up their family and headed west, settling in Cheney, Washington. Bill operated a body shop there for approximately a year before an opportunity arose at Ken’s Custom Body Shop in St. Maries, Idaho. The family made another move, and St. Maries would become their forever home.

Bill worked for Ken for several years before spending a couple of years at Chase Chevrolet. In 1985, he took a leap of faith and opened his own business, Royal Coach Body Shop. With his years of experience, strong work ethic, and talent for his trade, Bill built a business he could be proud of. He continued operating the shop until his retirement in 2002, when he passed the business on to his son, Willy, and BJ Derr.

Bill was truly a jack of all trades and a man who could fix just about anything. Whether it was a vehicle, electrical work, plumbing, or a project around the house, Bill had the knowledge and ability to get the job done. He was especially talented with his hands and enjoyed woodworking, always finding something to build, repair, or tinker with.

When he wasn't working on a project, Bill enjoyed the great outdoors. Hunting, fishing, camping, boating, and riding his side-by-side were among his favorite pastimes. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life and the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the beautiful country he called home. Bill was also a member of the St. Maries Elks Lodge.

Above all, Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and Annie shared more than 60 years of marriage, building a lifetime of memories together. Bill leaves behind not only the legacy of a hardworking and talented craftsman, but also the love of a family who will dearly miss him.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Annie, at their home in St. Maries; his daughters, Whitney (Ron) Haynes of St. Maries, Idaho, and Jennifer Rischard (Steve Holt) of Madera Canyon, Arizona; and his son, William “Willy” Frederick of St. Maries, Idaho. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reginald and Barbara Frederick.

At Bill's request, no formal services will be held. A gathering of friends and family will be scheduled after the new year.