Celebrating the life of
Willard Tobias Tresler
April 07, 1933 - November 14, 2006
WILLARD BILL TOBIAS TRESLER
Willard Bill Tobias Tresler, 73, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at the Hospice House in Savannah where he was surrounded by his devoted wife and two children. Bill was born on April 7, 1933 in Burlington, Vermont. He was raised in South Hero, Vermont, where he worked with his father in their family-owned apple orchards and local store. He attended high school and graduated from Linden Institute in Lindenville, Vermont. He graduated from the University of Vermont in 1955 where he was a member of the football team and Sigma Phi fraternity. He met and married Jeane Fondren Fulford in Savannah while on active duty in the United States Air Force. During his 24 years of active duty, Bill worked as a B-47 navigator, a B-52 radar navigator and NATO intelligence officer. After retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, he continued to work as an Air Force contractor until he and his wife returned to Savannah in 1998. He was an active member of the local Military Officers Association and Savannah Christian Church.
Bill was a loving, caring, and dedicated husband and father. His family was always his first priority. He was well known for his love for the Lord, his dry sense of humor and always having a plan. He brought laughter and strength to his family and friends until the very moment he left to be with God.
He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Jeane Fulford Tresler, his daughter, Margaret Tresler Foushee of Birmingham, AL, his son, John Willard Tresler of Kings Park, NY, his two grandchildren, Margaret Elizabeth Tresler and Willard Alexander Tresler of Kings Park, NY and his sister, Barbara Tresler Zarchen of Kingston, RI. He was preceded in death by his father, Willard Edgar Tresler and his mother, Rae Tobias Tresler, both of South Hero, Vermont.
Memorial Services will be Thursday, November 16, 2006 at 3 p.m. at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum Chapel at 175 Bourne Avenue in Pooler, Georgia with a visitation to follow.
Burial will be at a later date
Remembrances to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1131 Fairfax, VA. 22038-1131
FOX AND WEEKS FUNERAL DIRECTORS HODGSON CHAPEL
I a€™m grateful for having the experience of knowing Bill Tresler. He was a man of character and strong convictions. The things that matter in life are those he did so very well and always intentionally. Bill Tresler left a legacy so many fathers desire. They only hope they can be as successful as he was. Because of his involvement early on, his children are now continuing to pass the same values and traditions to their children and family. Being a husband and father of two, he made certain they came first. Giving them everything possibly to prepare for life’s journey. He also made certain that they looked behind themselves…making sure they weren’t leading a life with casualties left behind. Bill saw the best in the people he met, never saying anything negative of others or complaining. He had a way of looking at life you would admire…..always able to find humor in the most difficult situations. This is reflective in his children today. He was a committed husband who loved his wife and would sacrifice anything for her. It was something you knew was true, and important to him. Husbands and fathers of character do the right thing, not because it will change the world but because they refuse to be changed by the world. You could tell right from the start when meeting Bill, success is not necessarily about being the best at all cost. It's about doing your best at all times. He always taught whatever your waiting for - peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance - it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart.' In the final analysis, the questions of why bad things happen to good people transmutes itself into some very different, questions, no longer asking why something’s happened, but asking how we’ll, prepare ourselves and continue our walk with the Lord. During the time I knew Bill he made sure you have not lived a perfect day, unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you All the best C.
- C., Austin, TX
We are sorry to hear of Bill's passing. God bless you and give you strength and comfort.
- Myron & Rose Mary Hall, Hot Springs Village, DC
Jean, Margaret and John, I'm so sorry for your loss. I often think of you and wonder how you are doing. I know you are a close family and will be each other's strength at this time. Take Care.
- Linda Taylor, Hot Sprpings, AR
Jeane,Margaret,John and families Our family is grieved by the loss of Bill. I remember fondly the Thanksgiving you shared your home with us. I also remember the many times we spent watching basketball games together and riding to games. We love your family and will keep you in our prayers during this time. Jerrie and Vern Sears
- Vern and Jerrie Sears, Hot Springs, AR
Mrs. Tresler, Margaret, John and family: I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and father and grandfather. I know how tough it was when I lost my dad a little over a year ago and hope you walk in His hands through this grieving process. In His eyes: Stacie 'Jones' Layman Lea Gaines sister
- Stacie, Jessieville, AR
We send our deepest condolences. Bill was a dear friend to us all through college and in our wedding. How fortunate we feel to have had him as a friend and to have spent a great couple of days with him and Jeane at the 50th reunion at UVM in 2005.
- Tom & Katie Mundie, New Bern, NC
Dear Jeane and Family, We have only been in the small group for a short time and didn't have the opportunity to know Bill well. This is our loss. We pray that, at this most difficult time, you and your family will experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. We appreciate Bill's many years of service to his country and his God. God Bless Bill, you and your family, David & Gerrie McNeely
- David & Gerrie McNeely, Savannah, GA
My deepest sympathy, Jeane and Family. He was well thought of by Don and I. I will always remember how wonderful you were at our chapter dinners. Fondly, Terry
- Terry Gumm, Richmond Hill, GA
Bill was a valuable member of the Savannah Area Military Officers Association and will be missed by all. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family.
- Larry P. Spears, SAMOA, Baxley, GA
I know this is a hard time for all of you... my prayers are with you as always. Michelle Kulaski Parmele
- Michelle Kulaski Parmele, derby, KS
Bill was my cousin, through his father's second marriage to Elizabeth Phelps Tresler. My grandmother, Mary Phelps, treasured her grandson, Bill, and spoke of him often. My sincere sympathy to his entire family, including sister, Barbara. Sincerely, Mary Phelps Lafayette
- Mary Lafayette, Grand Isle, VT
Our love and prayers continue to be with you at this difficult time. I will always carry the picture in my heart of the debonair young man in his tuxedo dancing with his beautiful wife in her silvery dress on April 1. Jeane, I am so grateful that you had that happy time together. Love you all!
- Ted and Jacque Emmert, Hot Springs Village, AR
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We are sad for your loss and pray that God be with you in this time of sorrow. We love you and will do anything we can for you. May God bless all of you and give you piece during this time.
- Joe,Margaret & Jeremy Hughes, Gardendale, AL
My thoughts and prayers are with each one of you. May God grant you peace that truly surpasses all understanding.
- Lisa Coleman Carey, Jessieville, AR
Prayers and thoughts with all of the family Gods Blessings
- Jerry & Terry Lampo, Mountain Valley, AR
We were saddened to read the obituary in today's 'Birmingham News'. We have fond memories of all of you in Hot Springs Village and Jessieville School. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Ken and Martha Sanders
- Ken and Martha Sanders, Pelham, AL
We are thinking and praying for each of you during this difficult time. Todd has so many fond memories of time spent with your family. May God Bless and Keep you.
- Todd, Lori, Katie, & Kellie Lampo, Hot Springs, AR
Our love to you all. My 'other dad' will always be close to my heart. Our prayers are with you.
- Kyla, Tim, Zac and Bekah, Jonesboro, AR
I a€™m grateful for having the experience of knowing Bill Tresler. He was a man of character and strong convictions. The things that matter in life are those he did so very well and always intentionally. Bill Tresler left a legacy so many fathers desire. They only hope they can be as successful as he was. Because of his involvement early on, his children are now continuing to pass the same values and traditions to their children and family. Being a husband and father of two, he made certain they came first. Giving them everything possibly to prepare for life’s journey. He also made certain that they looked behind themselves…making sure they weren’t leading a life with casualties left behind. Bill saw the best in the people he met, never saying anything negative of others or complaining. He had a way of looking at life you would admire…..always able to find humor in the most difficult situations. This is reflective in his children today. He was a committed husband who loved his wife and would sacrifice anything for her. It was something you knew was true, and important to him. Husbands and fathers of character do the right thing, not because it will change the world but because they refuse to be changed by the world. You could tell right from the start when meeting Bill, success is not necessarily about being the best at all cost. It's about doing your best at all times. He always taught whatever your waiting for - peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance - it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart.' In the final analysis, the questions of why bad things happen to good people transmutes itself into some very different, questions, no longer asking why something’s happened, but asking how we’ll, prepare ourselves and continue our walk with the Lord. During the time I knew Bill he made sure you have not lived a perfect day, unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you All the best C.
- C., Austin, TX
We are sorry to hear of Bill's passing. God bless you and give you strength and comfort.
- Myron & Rose Mary Hall, Hot Springs Village, DC
Jean, Margaret and John, I'm so sorry for your loss. I often think of you and wonder how you are doing. I know you are a close family and will be each other's strength at this time. Take Care.
- Linda Taylor, Hot Sprpings, AR
Jeane,Margaret,John and families Our family is grieved by the loss of Bill. I remember fondly the Thanksgiving you shared your home with us. I also remember the many times we spent watching basketball games together and riding to games. We love your family and will keep you in our prayers during this time. Jerrie and Vern Sears
- Vern and Jerrie Sears, Hot Springs, AR
Mrs. Tresler, Margaret, John and family: I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and father and grandfather. I know how tough it was when I lost my dad a little over a year ago and hope you walk in His hands through this grieving process. In His eyes: Stacie 'Jones' Layman Lea Gaines sister
- Stacie, Jessieville, AR
We send our deepest condolences. Bill was a dear friend to us all through college and in our wedding. How fortunate we feel to have had him as a friend and to have spent a great couple of days with him and Jeane at the 50th reunion at UVM in 2005.
- Tom & Katie Mundie, New Bern, NC
Dear Jeane and Family, We have only been in the small group for a short time and didn't have the opportunity to know Bill well. This is our loss. We pray that, at this most difficult time, you and your family will experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. We appreciate Bill's many years of service to his country and his God. God Bless Bill, you and your family, David & Gerrie McNeely
- David & Gerrie McNeely, Savannah, GA
My deepest sympathy, Jeane and Family. He was well thought of by Don and I. I will always remember how wonderful you were at our chapter dinners. Fondly, Terry
- Terry Gumm, Richmond Hill, GA
Bill was a valuable member of the Savannah Area Military Officers Association and will be missed by all. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family.
- Larry P. Spears, SAMOA, Baxley, GA
I know this is a hard time for all of you... my prayers are with you as always. Michelle Kulaski Parmele
- Michelle Kulaski Parmele, derby, KS
Bill was my cousin, through his father's second marriage to Elizabeth Phelps Tresler. My grandmother, Mary Phelps, treasured her grandson, Bill, and spoke of him often. My sincere sympathy to his entire family, including sister, Barbara. Sincerely, Mary Phelps Lafayette
- Mary Lafayette, Grand Isle, VT
Our love and prayers continue to be with you at this difficult time. I will always carry the picture in my heart of the debonair young man in his tuxedo dancing with his beautiful wife in her silvery dress on April 1. Jeane, I am so grateful that you had that happy time together. Love you all!
- Ted and Jacque Emmert, Hot Springs Village, AR
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We are sad for your loss and pray that God be with you in this time of sorrow. We love you and will do anything we can for you. May God bless all of you and give you piece during this time.
- Joe,Margaret & Jeremy Hughes, Gardendale, AL
My thoughts and prayers are with each one of you. May God grant you peace that truly surpasses all understanding.
- Lisa Coleman Carey, Jessieville, AR
Prayers and thoughts with all of the family Gods Blessings
- Jerry & Terry Lampo, Mountain Valley, AR
We were saddened to read the obituary in today's 'Birmingham News'. We have fond memories of all of you in Hot Springs Village and Jessieville School. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Ken and Martha Sanders
- Ken and Martha Sanders, Pelham, AL
We are thinking and praying for each of you during this difficult time. Todd has so many fond memories of time spent with your family. May God Bless and Keep you.
- Todd, Lori, Katie, & Kellie Lampo, Hot Springs, AR
Our love to you all. My 'other dad' will always be close to my heart. Our prayers are with you.
- Kyla, Tim, Zac and Bekah, Jonesboro, AR
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
