Eric Curt Pressler

Eric Curt Pressler, age 74, of Hillsdale, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 20, 1951, in Hillsdale, to Garl and Anne (Sawicz) Pressler. Eric married Clara Yvonne "Bonnie" Chase on December 1, 1973, and she survives.

Eric graduated from Hillsdale High School in 1969. He proudly served his country for 24 years as a staff sergeant in the Michigan Army National Guard, activated during Operation Desert Storm and stationed in Germany. Eric also devoted forty years to serving others as a firefighter, beginning his career at the Hillsdale Rural Fire Department and retiring as a captain with the Hillsdale City Fire Department. For more than thirty-five years, Eric coached various youth sports, most notably, high school track and cross country for Hillsdale and Jonesville Community Schools. He enjoyed sports photography, smoking ribs, a good German beer, and spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife, Bonnie Pressler, Eric is survived by two children, Kristen (Matt) Kurtz of Saline, and Gabriel (Rachel) Pressler of Bossier City, Louisiana; four grandchildren, Joseph Kurtz and Zoé, Zechariah, and Zane Pressler; and one sister, Annette (Jim) Malloch of Jonesville.

In addition to his parents, Eric was preceded in death by his twin brother, Errol Kent (Pat – survives) Pressler.

A memorial visitation for Eric Pressler will be held Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 2:00-5:00 PM at the VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home in Hillsdale. Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice of Hillsdale County.