Drescher, William J.
MADISON
William James Drescher, age 90, died on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009, at
Wynnwood of Madison West. He was born on Aug. 20, 1918, in Craig Colorado
to Frank Metcalf and Marguerite James Drescher. He and his three siblings
enjoyed a happy childhood on the family ranch. He graduated from Colorado
University in 1940 with a M.S. in civil engineering. His first job was
with American Bridge in Gary Indiana. On July 15, 1941, he was united in
marriage to his college sweetheart, Marcine Faunce. Following a brief
honeymoon in Chicago, he began his career with the U.S. Geological Survey,
first in Miami, Florida and then Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In 1944 he became
a Navy Seabee and spent the next couple of years in the South Pacific.
Following his discharge he resumed his employment as hydrologist with the
U.S.G.S., this time in Madison, where he remained in various capacities
ending as planning officer for the North Central Region for the Department
of Interior until he retired in 1974. In 1958 he received a M.S. degree in
geology from UW-Madison and taught graduate level hydrology courses at the
UW in the late 50s and early 60s. Bill spent much of his retirement at the
"Nut Farm" in Iowa County, building a log cabin, developing spring fed
ponds, keeping bees, feeding the birds and planting trees. He loved
sharing the Nut Farm with family, friends and Iowa County neighbors.
Through the years, he and his wife of 60 years entertained countless
numbers of international students, many of whom remained life long
friends. Bill was an active member of Madison West Rotary, generous with
his monetary gifts, his time and his energy. He will be remembered for his
special Christmas bread, his sourdough pancakes and his yearly rendition
of "Blood on the Saddle" sung at the Drescher family reunion camping trip
in Colorado. He is survived by his children, Jim (Margaret) Drescher of
Nova Scotia and Becky (Rob) Lofdahl of Madison; grandchildren, Amy (Bill)
Payne, Geoff Madding, Jonah (Tham) Drescher, Willow (Tone) Monterrosa,
Marguerite (Noel McLellan) Drescher and Will Drescher;
great-grandchildren, Amber (Jason Geiger) Payne, Sasha and Brianna Payne,
Joaquin, Cinnamon, and Sabrina Monterrosa and Gabe McLellan; great
great-granddaughter, Harley Marie Geiger; a wonderful extended family and
friends throughout the world. He was preceded in death by his wife,
Marcine; an infant daughter, Amy Elizabeth; his AFS daughter, Gunda Sporer
Oppenheimer; his parents; and siblings. The family would like to send a
special thank you to the staff at Wynwood of Madison West for their loving
care of "little" Bill, to Caryn Lessner for staying by Bill's side through
it all and to the Hospice staff for their support of Bill and his family.
At this time no formal service is planned. The family suggests memorials
to HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison WI 53711, Madison West
Rotary Foundation, P O Box 5174, Madison WI 53705 or any other charity of
choice.
Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road
(608) 238-3434
www.cressfuneralservice.com |