William “Bill” Edward Pressler, 66, of Lemont; loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, and in his words “Always the last to know”, died Sunday, January 13, 2013, at Mt. Nittany Medical Center at State College.
He was born November 19, 1946 in Bellefonte, as son of the late Harry and Elsie Quinn Pressler.
On April 21, 1972 he married Ruth Ann Houtz who survives at home.
Bill graduated from State College High School in 1965, and served in the U. S. Army during the Viet Nam War, from Aug. 13, 1965 to August 12, 1971, earning the rank of Specialist 4. He earned a National Defense Service Medal and Marksman Medal with the M-14 Rifle.
He worked as a taxi and bus driver after being discharged from the Army. From 1973 until 1981 he was employed by M. G. Burdett Gas Company, and from 1981 to 2000 he worked for Domino’s Pizza retiring due to disability. For many years he worked for Bartlebaugh’s amusements.
His memberships included Mt. Nittany United Methodist Church at Lemont, Veterans of Foreign wars Post 321 and American Legion Post 245 both in State College. His grandchildren were the lights in his life. He also enjoyed hunting and NASCAR races.
Surviving in addition to his wife Ruth are two daughters, Mary Jo Rose of State College and Charlotte A. Brown and her husband Major James H. Brown of Ashburn, VA; one son Walter Edward Pressler of Lemont; six grandchildren, Tyler and Hunter Rose, Kyle and Teressa Pressler, Trevor Litz, and James E. Brown; two sisters, Barbara Dean and her husband James, of Greens Valley, and Jane Weaver and her husband Dean (Hap) of Centre Hall; and three brothers, Robert Pressler and his wife Bonnie of Reedsville, Richard Pressler of Moshannon and Jack Pressler of Dallas, PA
Friends will be received from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 16, 2013, at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, 1034 Benner Pike, State College. A memorial service will follow immediately at 11:00 a. m. at the funeral home with the Reverend Edward Preston officiating. Military honors will be provided by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion in State College. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to PAWS, 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.