William Richard Herschler

William Richard Herschler
1948 - 2025
William Richard Herschler, 77, passed away on September 25, 2025, from complications related to esophageal cancer. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. His presence, his humor, and his deep love for those closest to him will be profoundly missed.
Will had a unique ability to bring energy and laughter to any room. He will be remembered for his unwavering sense of fairness, tireless work ethic, deep love for his family, and a wit that was equal parts hilarious and disarming.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised on Long Island, Will lived a rich and varied life marked by curiosity, creativity, service, and determination. He attended Virginia Tech and served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he pursued his passion for plants and design, earning a degree in ornamental horticulture.
After graduation, Will embarked on a three-month cross-country motorcycle trip, reconnecting with friends and exploring the country. That adventure eventually led him to Albuquerque, NM, where he planted roots and founded LandArt, a small landscaping business. It was there he met the love of his life, Julie, and together brought two daughters into the world.
In 1991, Will moved his family to Peralta, NM, where he started River's Bend Irrigation, installing irrigation systems across Valencia County. Known for his honesty, reliability, and hard work, Will earned the respect and trust of customers and neighbors alike.
A gifted photographer, Will also founded River's Bend Photography. He had an extraordinary eye for capturing the essence of New Mexico - from the grace of birds in flight and the vast beauty of its landscapes, to the energy of rodeos, the joy of dog agility events, and quiet, candid moments within the community. His favorite subjects, though, were always the people he loved. He took pride in creating photographs exactly as he saw them - straight from the camera, with no digital enhancements - trusting his instinct, timing, and the natural beauty of each moment to tell the story.
He shared his passion and knowledge of photography online under the name "trenchmonkey" on forums like Fred Miranda and Nikon Café. His thoughtful advice and signature pun-filled humor made him a beloved and respected member of the online photography community.
Will was preceded in death by his father, Donald "Don" George Herschler. He is survived by his mother, Joan Herschler; his sister, Ellen Finkenburg, and her husband, Richard; his wife, Julie (Anderson) Herschler; daughters, Nichole "Addie" Herschler and Mishay Herschler-Chavez; son-in-law, Erik Chavez; and six cherished grandchildren: Riley, Zoë, Emma, Kira, Oliver, and Maya.
A celebration of Will's life will be held on Friday, October 24, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Bosque Farms Community Center. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend and share in the memories of a life well lived.
Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service, Los Lunas, where an online guest register is available at www.noblin.com
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