William Bessler

William  Edward  Bessler, Age 91, Of  Climax, MI, Passed away on November 22, 2013, at the VA Medical Center, after a lengthy illness. William was born on November 28, 1921, in Lawrenceburg, IN, the son of Joseph E. and Lucille L. (Esslair) Bessler. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Math and Science from Texas University in Austin, TX. On October 26, 1942 he was inducted into the U.S. Air Force. He served his active duty in WWII from October 2, 1944 to October 13, 1945. He was a 2nd Lieutenant Navigator on a B-24 from England to Germany. He re-enlisted in the Air Force on August 10, 1950 and retired from the Air National Guard as a Major in 1967. On June 24, 1950, he married the former Margaret T. Rodenberg. Two months later he was recalled for active duty in the Korean Crisis. His tour of duty made it possible for he and his wife to spend three years in Hawaii. After teaching school in Austin, Texas for three years he was hired by Systems Development Corp., and trained to become a computer programmer. He then obtained a position at the Kellogg Company from where he retired in 1983. He enjoyed, woodworking(especially toys for his grandchildren), gardening, reading, traveling, photography and playing a good game of Bridge. He also had a love for airplanes and liked going to air shows, air museums and teaching the grandkids about flying. He also liked his dogs and had a favorite cat. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Burnham Brook where he served as a volunteer in the woodworking shop. He is survived by his sons, Jim (Suzanne) Bessler of Overland Park, KS, and Paul (Kim) Bessler of Climax, MI; grandchildren, Allison (Patrick) Mitchell, Joseph Bessler, Jonathan (Jenny) Bessler, Kallie (Jeff) Machan and Shelby Bessler; a great grandson, Owen Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his wife Margie in May of 2011. Bill was quick witted, liked a good laugh and enjoyed gatherings with family and friends. His favorite sayings and spontaneous humor will be missed. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 2 to 4:00 p.m. and 6 to 8:00 p.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 27, 2013, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery. www.henryfuneralhome.org

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