John Sherman Tressler

John Sherman Tressler, a master die maker, outdoorsman, and proud Mason, died Wednesday, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. He is remembered as a helpful and generous friend to others, including family members in need, his hunting friends, and his brothers in Freemasonry. He was 74. John followed his grandfather, Harry O. Tressler, and father, Robert Sherman Tressler, into Fort Industry Lodge, the F & AM of the World. He served through the chairs and became Worshipful Master of the lodge. He remained active in many Masonic affairs, especially leading funeral rituals for deceased members. He performed that rite at more than 200 funerals, said Masonic lodge brother Dave Darrah. I dont know if anyone around here has done more than that. John took that duty seriously. He was a straight shooter. His word was his bond and his bond was his word. As a die cast die maker, John was a perfectionist, only satisfied with finished work if it was perfect to the thousandth of an inch. In later working years, he taught fine points of the trade to apprentices, mentoring young tool and die makers and insisting on them learning some traditional methods as well as modern technology. John apprenticed as a die maker after graduation from the former DeVilbiss High School. He worked with the former Doehler-Jarvis Company and for many years with Edco Tool and Die company, until retirement. A lifelong hunter, for many years John spent a winter week in Michigans Upper Peninsula hunting deer. His love of that sport was passed on to his son, Rob. Born in Toledo in 1941, he was the son of Robert and Florence Tressler, both deceased. He is survived by sons Robert (Patty) of Toledo and Marc (Karen) of Gallatin, TN, two grandchildren, Ethan and Ryan of Gallatin, brothers Michael (JoAnne) of Toledo and Daniel (Terrie) and Jeffery of Florida. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Ginny Wright and Joan Berkel (Tim), who said, We will miss J.T., all the good times we shared, and we wish him happy sailing. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Tressler. A former wife, Jacqueline, mother of his sons, survives in Toledo. John lived the last two decades on Smith Road, Temperance, MI, where he kept busy in a barn shop with his professions tools and machines. A recent hobby was making a variety of decorative candles as gifts for friends and relatives. He also had used metal working and welding skills to fashioned small sculptures and other artistic pieces for family members. John had lots of brotherly love and a sentimental heart, said his brother, Mike. He liked time with nieces and nephews and always was happy to help with projects of others. Visitation will be at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey) on Saturday, August 29, 2015 after 2 PM where Toledo Ft. Industry Lodge 144 F & AM will conduct funeral services at 7 PM. Interment will be private. The family suggests memorial donations in Johns name be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio 30000 River Rd. Perrysburg, Ohio 43551.