William Joseph Fessler
William Joseph Fessler, age 83, of Quincy, died Thursday, October 28, 2021 at St. Vincent’s home after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Bill was born May 6, 1938 in Quincy, the son of Virgil and Isabel Unmisig Fessler. He grew up on a farm near Fowler, IL, and graduated from Unity High School in 1956 where he met the love of his life, Sandra Sue McClelland, at a high school dance. They married on June 6, 1959 and last summer celebrated 62 years together.
He was a 1961 graduate of Western Illinois University and a 1966 graduate of the University of Illinois with a Master’s Degree in Education and a Certificate of Advanced Study in 1970. In his 33 years as an educator, he touched the lives of hundreds of students and teachers, first as an accounting teacher at Liberty High School in 1961, then with Quincy Public Schools as a sixth-grade teacher at Franklin in 1964 and later as principal there in 1971. He was principal at Webster in 1973, and Director of Quincy Area Vocational Technical School in 1981. He was principal at Highland Riverside in 1982, principal at Baldwin in 1983, and finally principal at Ellington until his retirement in 1993. His love of public education inspired two of his children to become teachers.
Bill was an avid golfer and original member of the Bogey Busters Golf League at Westview in Quincy. He enjoyed 30 years of retirement not only playing golf, but living in a home overlooking the course where he could watch the golfers from his recliner in the living room.
His other love was music. He was a member of a band with his brothers, sang with the Mart Heinen Glee Club, and played his guitar and sang at every family function.
Bill was passionate about helping others. He delivered Meals on Wheels with Sandra for 25 years, volunteered with First Tee to support young golfers, and volunteered for many years in his daughter Amy’s classroom. He was a member of St. Peter Church in Quincy.
In addition to his wife Sandra, survivors include: FOUR CHILDREN: Jeff and son-in-law James Young of Quincy, Jill Burgess of Quincy, Amy Derrick of Quincy, and Todd of Seattle, WA. FOUR GRANDCHILDREN: Brooke Burgess of San Diego, CA, Nicholas Burgess of Quincy, Claire Fessler of Seattle, and Emme Fessler of Seattle.
THREE BROTHERS: Larry (Dianne) Fessler of Greeley, CO, Richard of Quincy, and Wayne (Judy) of Quincy. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends also survive.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Isabel Fessler, and his son-in-law Jeff Burgess.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 1, 2021 at 10:30 AM in the St. Peter Catholic Church. Inurnment in Greenmount Cemetery will take place at a later date. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 3:00 until 6:00 PM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Please wear a mask if attending the visitation. Memorials may be made to the Jeffrey Burgess Scholarship for College for Life Program at John Wood Community College.
Sandra and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was an awesome man. He was so kind and passionate about his career. I worked for him and Betty Menke at Webster school while I was in high school through a work study program. That was my favorite job ever because Mr. Fessler was such a great person to work for. My prayers are with you!
Amy and family I was saddened to hear about your loss. My deepest sympathy to you and the family
Sandra, I am so sorry for your loss. Bill will be missed by many. You and the family will be in our prayers.
Todd – I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father.
Our prayers and sympathy are for all of the family. Cherish all of the great memories forever.
Our prayers are with you and family
Sandy and family. So very sorry to hear of your loss of Bill. He was a great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad and difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends .Thank you Mr. Fessler for the memories @Franklin School
Sandy, Jill and family, we are so sorry about your loss, we have so many fond memories of your family. Are thoughts and prayers are with you, may he RIP.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. He was a kind and caring man and a wonderful boss!
Sandy and family ~ we are so very sorry, for all you are enduring ~ so much loss of loved ones. May your faith give you strength. We send our love.
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. We have such warm and enjoyable memories of the entire Fassler family.
Sandra and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Bill was such a nice man and will be missed.
Jill and family, I will keep your family in my prayers and celebrate your fathers life and a wonderful father !!
Sandy, Jeff. Jill, Amy, and ,Todd Bill was an amazing neighborhood father. I was privileged to have had him in my life
Rest In Peace, Mr. Fessler. I have fond memories of you from Webster School. You were always kind, fair, and had a genuine and true interest in your students lives and their success and empathy for the families who struggled. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Caring thoughts followed by prayers… may God Bless you and yours! <3
So sorry to hear this. Hugs to your family. Bill was a great principal and boss.
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Fessler will forever be in our hearts. He was truly a caring person for us kids. I had him in Franklin School. Loved his smile. Talked of him often. Prayers for Peace for the family.
I remember him well. He was a Great teacher and mentor. My thoughts and Prayers to all.
Sending our Love and Prayers to your Family. We will always remember our time spend together traveling and on the bleachers cheering on Todd and Michael’s basketball teams. The Quincy Public School System was so fortunate to have Bill’s expertise.