Obituary of William Foerschler

Today, we come together as a community and family to celebrate the remarkable life of William August Foerschler—a man whose quiet strength, cherished humor, and profound love left an indelible mark on everyone he met.

Born on May 10, 1948, Bill spent his entire life in the heart of Poughkeepsie, New York, a town he truly knew and loved. His journey was characterized by significant milestones, beginning with his graduation from Arlington High School and continuing through his dedicated service in the U.S. Army. In Vietnam, William bravely earned several commendations, including the Army distinguished Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Ribbon, National Defense ribbon, the NYS Conspicuous Service Medal, and the Purple Heart, honoring his commitment and sacrifice.

Returning home, Bill found new purpose with the Town of Poughkeepsie as a heavy equipment operator. Despite the challenges following his military injuries, he refused to be defined by his disability, showcasing a relentless spirit through extensive volunteer work, particularly in helping out Kristi’s school with various projects. His knack for fixing things extended beyond machinery—it reached into hearts, with bike rides and adventures he shared with neighborhood children and his beloved daughter.

Undoubtedly, Bill’s greatest joy was his family. Kristi was his pride and joy, evolving from daughter to best friend, with her children Peter, Emma, and Seth adding layers of happiness to his life as their “Papa”. He found immense pride in their achievements, attending every sport event with enthusiasm and an unmatched sense of humor that only he could bring.

A lovable jokester at heart, Bill’s humor, laced with wit and sarcasm, was legendary. His love for family and creatures great and small showed the depth of his character, binding us all with shared smiles and memories.

Surviving him are his daughter Kristi F. Newman, his grandsons Peter Newman and Seth Newman and granddaughter Emma Newman, his sister Mary Lou Foerschler, as well as many cousins andaworld enriched by his life. Bill walked gently but left an irreplaceable footprint, best remembered by those who will gather at Timothy Doyle Funeral Home on January 11, 2025, from10 am-12 pm to honor the life of a true original—a man who loved and lived for those he adored most.