William "Bill" Preston

William B. Preston

December 29, 1928 – April 19, 2023

William “Bill” Benedict Preston, age 94 of Monroe, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at the Medilodge of Monroe Nursing Home.

Bill was born on December 29, 1928 in Ash Township to the late Earl and Laura (Bonk) Preston. After high school, Bill enlisted into the United States Navy and was proud to defend our country until 1952. He was on the USS Leyte (CV-32) Ship for four years and was ranked as Boatswain’s Mate Third Class. Bill was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1138 of Monroe.

He worked at La-Z-Boy as an Experimental Engineer for 36 years before retiring in 1988. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing in Lake Erie but mostly spending time with his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Bill is survived by his wife: Shirley Preston; sister: Myrtle Greer; children: Michelle Wise, Cindy (Norm Bonk) Cline, Michael (Roxanne) Derby, Tina (Denise) Strictland, and Dawn (Steve Brown) Knezevich; grandchildren: Chad (Teri) Messer, Jessica Vandeveld, Alyson (Will Pomes) Knezevich, Angel (Mark) Post, Chantel (Jeff) Walker, Heather (Ray) Wright, Aaron Tochalauski, Shawn Tochalauski, and Adam Derby; nine great grandchildren, and two great- great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his four brothers: Bob, Jerry, Jim and Richard Preston, and a grandson: Christopher Messer.

In accordance with Bill’s wishes cremation has taken place. Everyone is invited to a memorial gathering on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Rupp Funeral Home from 2:00 pm until the time of service starting at 4:00 pm. Fr. David Burgard will officiate followed by an honor guard service under the auspice of the VFW Post #1138 of Monroe. A luncheon will follow at VFW Post 1138 of Monroe 400 Jones Ave.

Online condolences may be sent to www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com