Willard Charles Pretzer

Willard Charles Pretzer, 89, of Vermilion, died Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at Stein Hospice, Sandusky, after a short illness. Willard was born December 27, 1921 in Cleveland and had lived in Vermilion most of his life. He was a veteran of the Army Air Force serving during World War II. He was Captain of the 52nd Fighter Group 2nd Squadron and he was also a Prisoner of War in Stalagluft III, Poland. Mr. Pretzer was a bank auditor for Pretzer & Co., Vermilion, for 40 years. He was a member of Vermilion Evangelical and Reformed Church. He was also a member of the AMVETS Post #22, a charter member of the Vermilion Lion's Club, and was a member of the Ely Masonic Lodge #424. He enjoyed boating and sailing. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth (nee Hoffman) Pretzer; sons, Ronald (Sarah) Pretzer of Colorado Springs, CO, and Donald (Robin) Pretzer of Vermilion; grandsons, Joshua (Erin) Pretzer of Culver, IN, Zachary (Ann) Pretzer of Memphis, TN; and great grandchildren, Madeline, Zoe and Finnegan Pretzer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard & Florence (nee Schell) Pretzer, sister, Margaret Schuman and brother, Kenneth Pretzer. Private services will be Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. The Reverend Nick Cacciatore will officiate. Interment will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman, Ohio. The family suggests memorial contributions to Stein Hospice 1200 Sycamore Line Sandusky, OH 44870 or American Red Cross, Firelands Chapter, 300 Central Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.