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Wayne Pressler Obituary
Dr. Wayne H. Pressler, DDS, 83, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 7, 2018.
A longtime resident of Barberton and Wadsworth. He graduated from Norton High School, Class of 1952 and The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and DDS in 1958.
Wayne practiced general dentistry in Barberton for 55 years. He was passionate in fighting for justice, peace and the rights of all people. Wayne was active in many organizations and causes including, President of Barberton Kiwanis Club, Barberton Jaycee's Man of the Year, lifelong member of Grace UCC of Loyal Oak/Eastern Ohio Association Board & Committees, Metro Transportation Board, Treasurer of Akron Dental Society, Alpha Tau Omega, John Looney Award, Barberton/Norton Peace Group, Family Promise Board and volunteer, volunteer for BACM, Ohio State Buckeye fan, Norton High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Wayne volunteered dental service for many of those in need, he was an avid golfer, who had shot his age every year for the past seven years and had seven "Hole in Ones".
Preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Cindy and granddaughter, Sarah Pressler and brother, Paul Pressler. Wayne is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia; children, David (Marci) Pressler, Elizabeth (Jerry) Kremer and Jonathan (Amy) Pressler; grandchildren, Nathan, Cori (James), Emily (Doug), Timothy, Abigail, Melissa, William, Nicholas and Maria; great-grandchildren, Mya, Peyton, Jocelyn, Michael, Jared and Noah; sister, Rita Hotchkiss.
Wayne's family will receive friends on Sunday, February 11th from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Campfield-Hickman-Collier Funeral Home, 566 W. Park Ave., Barberton. A memorial service will be held Monday, February 12th at 1 p.m. at Grace UCC Loyal Oak, 3285 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Norton 44203 with Pastor Kurt Wieser officiating.
Donations may be made to Family Promise, 111 E. Voris St., Akron, Ohio 44311 or Grace UCC Loyal Oak.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Pressler
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
Very Grateful
April 25, 2022
Dr. Pressler was my dentist from the time I was a little girl. He was extraordinary in his gentleness and infectious smile. After many decades, I realize even more what a blessing he was. I feel sad for the children who will never know the magic of this stellar dentist and even more stellar human being. He made the world a better place and I can't think of any higher compliment. Thank you so much for your great service to humanity :)
February 4, 2021
Three years and I miss my buddy. Remembering his laugh
Don Michaelsen
February 23, 2018
Wayne's passing was such a shock to me. He was a dear friend. For years, he and I served on the Joint Associations Personnel Committee of the UCC. His comments were always quite thoughtful and penetrating. He enjoyed humor and irony all the time.
Marsha Blyth
February 19, 2018
My condolences to the entire Pressler family. He was my dentist since I was a little girl and have good memories. I also have seen him at many EOA meetings. He always had a smile.
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Bob Cunningham
February 17, 2018
My wife and I feel a personal loss in Wayne's passing. Our love and sympathies go out to the entire family. Wayne was a classmate, teammate, OSU Freshman roommate, our family dentist for 52 years and lifetime friend. He was a great servant to people in so many ways. He is now in the Palm of God's Hand. Bob "Red" and Elaine Cunningham, Norton Classes of 1952/54
Ken Bechdel
February 16, 2018
Let me start with a full-throated "amen" to the condolence messages preceding this. Wayne was a true Champion of the Underdog. A most caring, compassionate and benelovent human being. I was privileged and honored to have him as a close personal friend and golf buddy for the last 60 years.
May he rest in peace as there is no question as to where he now resides.
Ken Bechdel
Asheville, NC
Steve Rhinesmith
February 12, 2018
I met Dr. Pressler when he served as the EOA representative at my wife Debbie's installation as pastor of Fairlawn-West UCC in 2014. He very kindly told me about how my late father who was an oral surgeon had been a great help to him when he was a young dentist just starting out. I'm sorry I didn't know him better. Condolences to the family -
Kris Drummond
February 12, 2018
Wayne was a man with a quick wit and a kind heart. He would serve the indigent patients at Akron Community Health Resources with compassion and the utmost professionalism.
All the staff looked forward to the days when he would be "on duty".
Our prayers for the family....
Kris Drummond, DDS, MPH
Anna Reynolds
February 12, 2018
Always smiling, always cheerful...if you grew up with Grace UCC, then you knew The Presslers. My heart aches for all of you. But, I know that you have a lifetime of wonderful, happy memories.
Jim Miller
February 12, 2018
Doc became my dentist in 1960. I was ten years old. I have fond memories of going to the dentist because of him. He was so cool. R.I.P. Doc Pressler.
Martha Cosbey
February 12, 2018
Dear Pat,
I'm so sorry! Wayne was a force to be reckoned with and a wonderful humanitarian. He certainly made his mark in this world and I'm sure has already made a huge impression on the next. Knowing the two of you was a privilege for which I thank you. The world is diminished by the loss of such a kind and generous man.
Martha Cosbey
Marti Avolicino
February 12, 2018
My heart and soul is with your loving family and with the multitude of friends who are grieving your loss. I have many wonderful memories of our growing up together and feel so proud of the legacy you have left to all of us. RIP, Wayne...
February 12, 2018
I had the blessing of working with Wayne on many Eastern Ohio Association committees. His ability to listen and share deep thoughts and ideas made him truly a special spirit. Blessings Wayne as you fly away home.
Anne McKarns
Lori and Gary Knight
February 12, 2018
There is no doubt Dr. Pressler was one of a kind. He was our family dentist for many years and we continued that relationship until his retirement. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Robyn
February 11, 2018
I worked for Dr. Pressler, he was a great dentist and a very kind person, always helping someone. My prayers to his family and friends.
Mary Miller
February 11, 2018
Always loved Dr. Pressler both for his great sense of humor and his great devotion to Peace.
Paul Pallini
February 11, 2018
Doc was a great guy and will be greatly missed at Medina Country Club. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Paul and Cindy Pallini
February 11, 2018
What a wonderful man and dentist. He took care of me and my siblings and, later, my children. He was the reason we were never fearful of going to the dentist. His smile, his gentle demeanor and his sense of humor made us comfortable and relaxed. Thank you, to him, and blessings to his family. Susan(Bishop) and Don Suboticki and the rest of the Bishop kids (Becky, Mary, Andy).
Sr. Alicia Alvarado,OP
February 11, 2018
Dear Pressler family it was a great joy to meet Wayne and Pat at Embrasing Peace and Justice group that meets at the United Church of Christ church. A very generous and kind hearted man of faith. He will be deeply missted. May our gracious God give him the rest he needs forever. God speed dear friend.
Michael Angiulo
February 11, 2018
Dr. Pressler was my dentist as a child and was a lifelong friend of my mothers (Norton class of 1952} He was a kind man a true gentleman and will be sadly missed. My condolences with my thoughts and prayers to his family
Donna Koster
February 11, 2018
Oakdale Elementary school when David, Beth and Jon were students there, was where I first met Wayne and family. From that time on whenever I saw him I was met with his big smile and a sincere interest in how I was doing. He had a knack for making people smile and be at ease. What a wonderful gift.
My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends who love him.
Joseph Lordi
February 10, 2018
Wayne was our family dentist for so many years.
John Seryak
February 10, 2018
Dr. Pressler, Wayne, was a man I deeply respected and will continue to be grateful for knowing. Wayne was my dentist starting at the age of 9 and for nearly 50 years after that.
Not only was Wayne my dentist, I considered him a friend and mentor. There were always brief discussions about life, religion, and politics in between x-rays or cleaning or fillings.
I also had a few opportunities to share his passion for peace and justice in the Barberton-Norton Peace Group meetings.
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Pressler and Wayne's children, grandchildren and friends.
Wayne is and will be remembered fondly.
Tim, Sandi(Schellin) and Brad Hubiak
February 10, 2018
Wayne was a wonderful man who showed compassion to all. He was our family dentist for many years-first my parents, the my family. We have moved from the area and know we will never find a more caring person. He will be missed. We are sure there is a great golf course in heaven and Wayne will be teeing off soon. Our sympathy to the family.
Melodie, Joseph and family George
February 10, 2018
Mrs. Pressler and family,
Great man and was very kind. Thank you for being in our lives and giving us a chance to meet such a good man
D George
February 10, 2018
Mrs. Pressler & Families,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
David & Matthew
Melissa Hooser
February 10, 2018
My favorite dentist! Prayers for the family.
DG
February 10, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. A loved one lost unexpectedly brings much grief to our hearts, therefore, may you treasure the special times spent with Wayne as you draw strength from family and friends. May God's word and his loyal love comfort you and help you through this difficult time. Psalm 119:50,76
Kathryn Nitz
February 10, 2018
So sorry to hear of Dr. Presslers passing. I only worked for him for a short time but I knew him for many years. His compassion and generosity were an important part of his Dental Practice. He once said to me " A person should not make more money than a Farmer because the farmers feed us" I will always remember him for that. Prayers to his Family and Dental Friends.
Cathy Albaugh
February 10, 2018
Dr. Pressler was my dentist from the time I was a child. I was terrified of the dentist because of a previous bad experience. Dr. Pressler was so kind and gentle I overcame my fears. Even when I was in my 50's and 60's, he always asked me several times during a procedure if I was "ok". He will be missed by so many. I am so sorry for your loss.
Carolyn Conley
February 10, 2018
Wayne was my dentist from the time I was a little girl. He was a kind, caring, and funny man. I never dreaded going in for a checkup. I enjoyed talking to him. He took the time when I would call with a tooth that bothered me. . When I had a foreign exchange student with a bad tooth, Wayne saw him immediately. I was his patient until he retired. I've thought of him often over the years with a smile. May God comfort his family in their time of grief.
Loa Gerberich
February 10, 2018
Wayne is one of God's blessings.He made each person he met feel valued. He actively cared about the world we live in and encouraged others to do the same.
Kathy Patton
February 10, 2018
So sorry for your loss. Dr Pressler was the only dentist I ever went to. He was a truly wonderful man.
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Campfield Hickman Collier Funeral Home, Inc. - Barberton566 W Park Ave., Barberton, OH 44203
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Campfield Hickman Collier Funeral Home, Inc. - Barberton566 W Park Ave., Barberton, OH 44203
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