William R. Gaehring

William R. Gaehring of Woodbury Heights, NJ, 79 years old. 

Legacy

Survived by the love of his life, his wife, Trudy (nee Hance) of 54 years; his daughter Treva and her husband Wade and their 5 children: Luke, Kyle, Faith, Derek & Mark; his daughter Suzanne and her 3 children Sunshine, Keith, Jr. and Logan; his son Matthew and his wife Cara and their two children Amelia and Noel. Bill is also survived by his brother David and his wife Donna. Predeceased by his parents David and Adeline and his two sisters Linda and Nancy. 

Raised in Haddon Heights, NJ, Bill graduated from Haddon Heights High School in 1965. He was an athlete and musician. While there, he played football, basketball and baseball, along with playing the violin in the orchestra. He continued his education at Drexel University and graduated in 1970 with a Mechanical Engineering degree. Besides working for private companies, Bill also owned his own Construction Company, Spectrum Construction, for some time. 

He and Trudy met when he was in the Order of DeMolay and she in Order of the Rainbow for Girls. They went on to marry in 1972. Initially living in NJ then Ohio, they returned to NJ and settled down to build and raise their family. Bill loved the Lord and his life reflected that. He was a youth leader, worship team member, builder of all church related projects, Deacon, Trustee, handbell choir member and director, choir member and puppeteer extraordinaire. He also spent time on short term mission trips to Burkina Faso, San Salvadore and West Virgina. Through every part of his mission work, Bill led his family and those with him with what mattered most – we do these things well and for the Lord. We use our gifts for God. 

When not focused on work, Bill had several hobbies he loved. He coached his daughter’s Audubon softball team (and played on his own softball team), bowled in a recreational league, played and watched golf, was an Audubon High School marching band “do it all” parent for several years, more than enjoyed having a meal at a diner, always took a side construction project somewhere and never told his children ‘no’ to driving them anywhere at any time. His family was his greatest joy. He attended and supported everything his children did. And when his grandchildren came along, they took top priority. He found great joy teaching them how to stick out their tongue when they were babies, buy them gifts that his children didn’t always approve of and teach them how to use presser washers as they grew up. 

Bill didn’t always come across as the most gentle-spirited man, but he was a man of integrity and was kindhearted. He finished what he started. He made us laugh with his sarcasm and cared deeply. He lived a life of purpose with his eyes on God. He left us with a true, complete example of how to love God, love your spouse, love your family, love others and do it all for the glory of God. 

Farewell Tribute

Family & friends are invited to celebrate Bill's life on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Oaklyn Baptist Church, 29 East Bettlewood Avenue, Oaklyn, NJ 08107. A visitation will begin at 1:00pm with a Celebration of Life following at 2:00pm. A reception of Bill’s favorite foods will be held after the celebration in the church social hall. 

In lieu of flowers, we are asking that memorial contributions be made to Foster the Family in honor of the many bonus grandchildren Bill has had. Please click here to contribute: https://www.fosterthefamily.org/donate

Arrangements under the care of McGuinness Funeral Home

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