William Gaessler

1930 - 2025

Gaessler
William Gaessler
July 11, 1930
November 5, 2025

Lt Col USAF (Ret) William Bihl Gaessler passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, at the age of 95. Born in Ames, Iowa, on July 11, 1930, he attended Kemper Military Junior College and graduated from Iowa State University in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He received his commission as a Second Lieutenant through the Air Force ROTC program.
During his 26 years of active-duty service, Bill flew the T-33A, F-84E/G, F-86H, F-100D/F, O-1F, C-54D, and C-118A aircraft, accumulating over 5,000 flight hours. He flew combat missions during the Korean War and later completed two tours in Vietnam. While stationed at Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, New Mexico, he met and married Carol Alexander in 1959. Bill retired in 1978 as a Lieutenant Colonel. His decorations include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, six Air Medals, and two Air Force Commendation Medals.
Bill was a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church and had a deep passion for caring for the church's John Wesley Ranch near Divide, Colorado. He and Carol enjoyed more than five decades of RV travel, spending many winters in Tucson.
A proud patriot, Bill loved God, his country, and the American flag. Above all, he cherished his family. He was actively involved in the lives of his grandchildren, attending countless swim meets, baseball games, and theatre performances. One of his most treasured experiences was participating in the Rocky Mountain Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., accompanied by his grandson Tommy as his guardian.
Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Veltrop. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Carol; his son Gary (Jeanne) Gaessler; his daughter Julia (Ed) Kujalowicz; grandchildren Tommy (Katie) Gaessler, Michael Gaessler, Nicholas Kujalowicz, and Kylee Kujalowicz; and great-granddaughter Charlotte Gaessler.
A Celebration of Life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Interment with full military honors will follow at Pikes Peak National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the John Wesley Ranch through First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903.