William Lee "Bill" Ressler, 81, passed away in his home at 3:44 am on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
He was born on August 9, 1944 in Alton, IL to George William and Alice (Bozarth) Ressler.
He married Susan Hammon on October 10, 1974 at Meadowbrook Church of Christ. She survives.
Bill worked as a paramedic and firefighter for Godfrey Fire Department for 32 years. He began as a volunteer, eventually working his way up to earn the title of Assistant Fire Chief. He held a lifelong love of learning, saying the more he knew, the better off he was. He enjoyed fishing with his fish camp family, was a skilled hunter, and even dabbled in winemaking. His special blend was his blackberry grape. Above all, he loved spending time with his family, especially if they were enjoying a good card game. His sense of humor and good nature will be dearly missed by all whom he loved.
In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by his children, William Lee Ressler, Jr., Rene (Clayton) Halford, Amy (Mike Haynes) Hillery, Marc (Kristine) Ressler, Tambra (Dave) Pilkinton, and Matthew Ressler; a brother, Gary; eleven grandchildren, William Lee Ressler, III, Ashley Foster, Amber Halford, Alexa Hillery-Cusack, Erin Hillery, Lilian Ressler, David Eugene Pilkinton, Jr., DeAmbra Tolan Austin Ressler, Tanner Ressler, and Abigail Ressler; eleven great-grandchildren, Kyla Ressler, Riley Ressler, Rhett Lee Ressler, Grayson Lee Ressler, Chasen Forgy, Cameron Cusack, Beyah Widner, Adilee Widner, Brooklyn Pilkinton, Scarlett Widner, and Addilyn Pilkinton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his sisters, Dorothy Newby and Shirley Short.
Visitation will be held at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey, from 5pm until time of service at 7pm. Memorials are suggested to Godfrey Fire Department.