DAVID C. PLOESSER

DAVID C. PLOESSER - BURLINGTON - David C. Ploesser, 82, of Burlington, died on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, in the University of Vermont Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born in St. Louis, Mo., on Jan. 3, 1933, the son of the late Archie and Louise (Telehurst) Ploesser. After graduation from high school, David served his country in the US Air Force, 125th AC&W Squadron of the Missouri National Guard. He was activated during the Korean War and was stationed at Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester as part of the North East Air Defense Command. While there, he met the love of his life, Marie A. Delorge, on a blind date while they danced to the Duke Ellington Band at Bayside in Colchester. They married in 1953 and together they raised five children. He was most happy spending time with his family. He was passionate about UVM Hockey and the Boston Bruins. He enjoyed cross-country skiing and walking. David worked for 42 years at McAulliffe Office Products. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels, the American Red Cross and Special Olympics. He was a member of the BPOE Lodge #916 in Burlington, American Legion, VFW, and the Eagles. David is survived by his brother, Floyd and wife, Peggy, of St. Louis, Mo.; his five children and their spouses, Mike and Mona Ploesser of Milton, Susan Raymond of Essex Junction, Steve and Joanne Ploesser of Winooski, Pattie and Paul Martin of North Ferrisburg, and Jeff and Laurie Ploesser of Burlington; grandchildren and spouses, Amy and Josh Sharpe, Brett Raymond, Sean Raymond, Nick and Sarah Ploesser, Jessica Ploesser, Ellie Martin, Josh Carey and Tracy Terri, Tonya Desjardin, Justin and Heather Ploesser, Deanna Ploesser and Nick Bartlett, and Caleb Ploesser; and great-grandchildren, Jacob, Calvin, Wyatt, Jackson, Teagan, Haylee, Keygan, Mariella, Sienna, and Mason. He is also survived by his special niece and nephew, Keli and BJ McBride; and many other nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Marie, of 56 years; brothers, Howard and Russell; and sister, Faith. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff of the University of Vermont Medical Center for their excellent care during their father's illness. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, Feb. 2, 2015, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Ready Funeral Home South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Rd., Burlington. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Lakeview Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of the Ready Funeral & Cremation Service, 261 Shelburne Rd., Burlington. To send online condolences, please visit www.readyfuneral.com. Those who wish may make contributions in his memory to the American Lung Association, 372 Hurricane Lane, Suite 101, Williston, VT 05495.