Obituary for Robert R. Tresslar
It is with profound sadness that the family of Robert Rinker “Bob” Tresslar announces his death on January 26 of this year at the age of 98. He was born on September 5 th , 1922; the son of Ralph Howe and Bernice Rinker Tresslar in Bicknell Indiana. A funeral Mass was said on January 30 th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Vincennes, Father Tony Ernst presiding.
Bob was a lifelong resident of Knox County, save the years he spent away at school, or serving in the Military. He received his primary education in Bicknell, was a graduate of Culver Military Academy and attended Wabash College until his ROTC commission was activated shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served in the United States Army Air Corps as a fighter pilot, flying P-40s and later P-47s. He was assigned duties as a test pilot and flight instructor before serving in the European theater for the balance of the war. He met his wife of 69 years, Maria Teresa Avalos, during a summer school session at the University of Mexico. They were married in 1943, had 9 children and 20 grandchildren. After being discharged from the Army Bob worked alongside his father, operating the Tresslar Company variety stores in Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky.
He is survived by his daughter Maria Cristina Tresslar of Vincennes IN and his daughter-in-law MarvaLee Tresslar of Vincennes, IN. and his sons: Robert Tresslar (Nancy) of Denver CO., Chris Tresslar (Nancy) of Bloomington IN., Tim Tresslar (Young Ae) of Bloomington IN. Stephen Tresslar (Teresa) of Bloomington
IN., Peter Tresslar (Linda) of Denver CO., John Tresslar (Mary) of St. Louis MO, Michael Tresslar (Amy) of Evansville IN. Grandchildren, Jason, Eric, Grace, Chris, Nick, Sara, Rob, Tom, Mike, Dan, Ellie, Maggie, Charlotte, Catie, Patrick, Kathleen, David, Tim, Matt, Jake. Along with 22 great grandchildren.
Bob Tresslar was a member of too many organizations to list them all. Locally he was the past president of Rotary Club of Vincennes, the Knox County Chamber of Commerce, Wabash Valley Soaring Association, and the Christian Education Foundation. He was an avid golfer, playing in the senior league through this past summer. He was a competition sailplane pilot, a member of the US National team who competed in international events several times. He was an enthusiastic member of Dr. Gerry Hippenstell’s annual Canadian fishing expeditions, accompanied by his son Steve and some grandsons.
He was proceeded in death by his wife Maria Teresa, his son Mark Edmond Tresslar and his sister, Ethel Louise Prince.
The Family wants to extend thanks to Dr. Hippenstell, Fr. Ernst and all the selfless and devoted staff of Good Samaritan Hospital who provided such excellent care to Bob during his illness.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s name to YMCA of Vincennes 2010 College Avenue Vincennes, IN 47591, or Rivet Booster Club 210 Barnett Street Vincennes, IN 47591.
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Bob was a lifelong resident of Knox County, save the years he spent away at school, or serving in the Military. He received his primary education in Bicknell, was a graduate of Culver Military Academy and attended Wabash College until his ROTC commission was activated shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served in the United States Army Air Corps as a fighter pilot, flying P-40s and later P-47s. He was assigned duties as a test pilot and flight instructor before serving in the European theater for the balance of the war. He met his wife of 69 years, Maria Teresa Avalos, during a summer school session at the University of Mexico. They were married in 1943, had 9 children and 20 grandchildren. After being discharged from the Army Bob worked alongside his father, operating the Tresslar Company variety stores in Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky.
He is survived by his daughter Maria Cristina Tresslar of Vincennes IN and his daughter-in-law MarvaLee Tresslar of Vincennes, IN. and his sons: Robert Tresslar (Nancy) of Denver CO., Chris Tresslar (Nancy) of Bloomington IN., Tim Tresslar (Young Ae) of Bloomington IN. Stephen Tresslar (Teresa) of Bloomington
IN., Peter Tresslar (Linda) of Denver CO., John Tresslar (Mary) of St. Louis MO, Michael Tresslar (Amy) of Evansville IN. Grandchildren, Jason, Eric, Grace, Chris, Nick, Sara, Rob, Tom, Mike, Dan, Ellie, Maggie, Charlotte, Catie, Patrick, Kathleen, David, Tim, Matt, Jake. Along with 22 great grandchildren.
Bob Tresslar was a member of too many organizations to list them all. Locally he was the past president of Rotary Club of Vincennes, the Knox County Chamber of Commerce, Wabash Valley Soaring Association, and the Christian Education Foundation. He was an avid golfer, playing in the senior league through this past summer. He was a competition sailplane pilot, a member of the US National team who competed in international events several times. He was an enthusiastic member of Dr. Gerry Hippenstell’s annual Canadian fishing expeditions, accompanied by his son Steve and some grandsons.
He was proceeded in death by his wife Maria Teresa, his son Mark Edmond Tresslar and his sister, Ethel Louise Prince.
The Family wants to extend thanks to Dr. Hippenstell, Fr. Ernst and all the selfless and devoted staff of Good Samaritan Hospital who provided such excellent care to Bob during his illness.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s name to YMCA of Vincennes 2010 College Avenue Vincennes, IN 47591, or Rivet Booster Club 210 Barnett Street Vincennes, IN 47591.
To plant a tree in memory of Robert R. Tresslar, visit the Tribute Store.
Cemetery Details
Location
Mt. Calvary Cemetery
Willow St.
Vincennes, IN 47591
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