William “Bill” Pressler

William L. “Bill” Pressler, 76, Syracuse, died at 6:35 a.m. Friday, April 29, 2022, at Goshen General Hospital after an extended illness.

Pressler was born in Elkhart Sept. 21, 1945, to Hubert Earl Anderson and Eva Eggleston. Bill was raised by his mother and stepfather, Cecil Pressler.

Bill married Rebecca S. Stump Sept. 20, 1969, in Imperial Beach, Calif.

Pressler served honorably in the United States Navy for over 23 years and retired as a Chief Petty Officer. A military family, Bill lived the “Navy Life” with his family; moving from California to Japan and the Panama Canal. After retirement, Bill and Beckie settled in Nappanee and he owned Pressler’s Painting before moving to Syracuse in 2002.

Bill was a member and former commander of the Nappanee American Legion Post No. 154. He was also a member of the Nappanee VFW and the DAV. Bill was a mentor to many, both in the military and his family. He had a life long love of water and boats; from river boat runs in Vietnam and life on the Panama Canal to pontoon rides and people watching on the channel, Bill spent his life on water. In retirement, friends and family referred to Bill as Mayor of the Channel and he enjoyed going to Four Winds and playing “Hit it Rich” on the computer. Most of all, Bill loved his family and the many memories they built together.

Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Beckie Pressler, Syracuse; two daughters, Susan (Greg) Byrer, Warsaw and Brenda (Tim) Mast, Adamsville, Tenn.; two grandchildren, Brandi (Tyler) Newsome, Etna Green and Craig Byrer, Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.; two great-grandchildren, Aria Byrer-Foust and Dominic Newsome; four brothers, Dick Pressler, Wilmington, N.C., Arthur Pressler, Indianapolis, Roger (Eileen) Pressler, Elkhart and Ronald (Jackie) Pressler, Goshen; and one sister, Marla Groff, Willow Street, Pa.

William was preceded in death by his parents, step father and brothers, Lewis and Cecil Pressler. Cremation will take place and inurnment with military graveside services at Union Center Cemetery, Nappanee, will be held at a later date.

Arrangements handled by Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.