William Werstler

William Joseph Werstler, Jr., 93, passed away on May 18, 2017, in Tucson, Arizona where he had been living for his last two years. Mr. Werstler was born in Champaign, Illinois on January 4, 1924, son of William Joseph Werstler, Sr. and Edna Stipes Werstler. He attended Champaign schools, then graduating from Gulfcoast Military Academy in Gulfport, Mississippi in 1941. In 1942 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served his country during World War II serving in the Pacific theater of conflict. He then attended the University of Illinois and received his pilot's license while taking classes in floriculture. He was a life-long business man in Champaign, Illinois as owner of Art Floral Co. He married Esther Marie Norton on January 26, 1946 in Champaign, Illinois. She survives him. Also surviving are two daughters, Barbara Werstler Manhardt of Oro Valley, Arizona and Cynthia Werstler Robinson of Grandview, Texas, and one son, William J. Werstler III of Grandview, Texas, as well as five grandchildren, three step grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Also surviving is one brother, James W. Werstler of Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Werstler was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and one brother. He had been a member of C-U Jaycees, Kiwanis Club, Champaign Chamber of Commerce, C-U Elks Club, Champaign Moose Lodge and Champaign Country Club. Private graveside service will be in Champaign, Illinois.