William Orville Minkler

William “Bill” Minkler was born in Fresno, CA to Charles and Louise Minkler on June 1st, 1929, on a hot sunny San Joaquin day. Growing up, as a 4th generation Minkler on the family farm, Bill learned the value of hard work from his Dad and Grandfather which gave him the values that took him thru his life. His love of animals, insects, science, astronomy, camping, and traveling started at a very early age for Bill, that stuck with him throughout his entire life. Bill passed away on August 3rd, 2017 in Oceanside. Bill graduated from Sanger Unified School District in 1947, Bill went on to attend Fresno State University and worked while attending school. He was very proud to be the “first” Minkler to graduate from college. He joined the US Army in 1951, as a Medic, and studied to be a Surgical Tech while serving in various locations of the US and Europe. His favorite duty station was Austria and wrote home to his family many letters about the country and the people; even extending his enlistment for 9 months because he wanted to travel more in Europe. While he was stationed overseas, Bill wrote home to his family about learning to ski in Germany. He was so proud that he bought his own skis and boots and skied until he could ski no more. His training in the Army helped Bill obtain a job, as a surgical Tech at Fresno Community Hospital in 1954, after he left the service and met his love Therese. Bill and Therese dated for 2 years before marrying on September 8th 1956 in Fresno. Bill held various jobs after his discharge from the service including working at the Minkler gas station. However his favorite, before he became a teacher, was working for the Fresno Zoo/Museum. He was allowed to interact with all of the animals and foster some of them too. Even though Therese was not as fond of all the animals being brought home, his daughters cherish the memory. While still working for the Zoo/Museum, Bill studied teaching at Chapman College, traveling on the weekends to Orange County, to complete his teaching credentials. Bill and Therese loved their summers, taking their small daughters on camping trips to Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite; the winter and Easter breaks were spent skiing. Bill and Therese moved their family to Southern CA in 1966, starting in Carlsbad for a year, then settling in Oceanside and living in the same house on Hoover St until his passing. He starting teaching at Jefferson Junior High School in 1966 and retired from the Oceanside Unified School District in 1987, after many years of teaching Science, Health, Outdoor Living, French, and Spanish. While at Jefferson, Bill became very interested and applied for the “Teacher in Space Program” that was sponsored by NASA. He wanted the opportunity to become the “first teacher” to be aboard the U.S. Space Shuttle that was due to launch in 1986. Bill was interviewed, in 1984, by the San Diego Union and told the reporter that he “was always interested in space” and would “be proud to serve his country by being the first teacher in space” Although his family was happy that he was not on the ill-fated flight, Bill hoped that he would have been the chosen one. To be able to fly in space was one of Bill’s greatest dreams. As it was, flying became a passion to Bill following in his Father’s footsteps and obtaining his pilot’s license at the age of 55 (his father, Charlie got his pilot’s license at the age of 75). He flew to so many different places after he acquired his pilot’s license. Bill was an adventurous person when he could fly his plane. He and his Father flew to Peru to explore the Amazon and took a trip down the river. Bill, his Dad, his Brothers and Sister spent many summers at Mule Days in Bishop. He accomplished a goal by climbing to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite and climbing Mt. Fuji in Japan (while visiting Denise, when she was stationed in Japan). Bill was a very proud Dad, while taking his daughters and their friends, backpacking for a week in the San Jacinto Mountains; he was a wonderful teacher while teaching his Outdoor Living Class, as he was able to take his students (including his own daughter, Suzanne) and teach them the value of being outdoors and surviving being in the wild. Upon retirement, Bill and Therese spent time traveling in their camper trailer and then their RV. They traveled to many different and favorite locations of “America”, including Yosemite and the Grand Canyon. During the winter months, Sun Peaks, in BC Canada, became the favorite spot to spend a month skiing. Bill and Therese became friends with many of the local Canadians that lived and worked in this hidden winter resort. Bill was very involved in the Oceanside Model Railroad Society, when he was not out exploring the great country of America. He was very instrumental in setting up the many miles of railroad tracks that were housed upstairs at Boney’s Market in Oceanside. Every weekend one could find Bill educating the children, and adults, of the different types of railroad trains; watching in excitement on the faces of the children that came to visit brought a smile to his face. Bill’s greatest loves, besides his beautiful bride of 61 years, Therese, were his daughters, Denise and Suzanne. Watching them grow into the women that they have become today, brought so much joy and happiness to his heart. Even though it was difficult, at times, being the “teacher” to both of his girls while they attended Jefferson Jr High, his love never wavered for either one. Bill was a wonderful cook and we will miss his delicious tacos and Bar-B-Q Turkey at Thanksgiving. Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years, Therese; his daughters Denise Trotter (Alan), and Suzanne Milligan (Kelly); Brothers Charles Minkler (Peg), Gary Minkler (former sister in law Karren), Danny Minkler and Sister Sally Minkler. His nieces Christine, Nancy (Joe), Lisa (Gary), BethAnn (Seth); His nephews Bryan (Cheryl), Richard (Mary), Jim (Deanna), and Robert (Michelle), and Kelly. Bill’s grandsons Brandon and Kyle Harrison, and his Great Grandchildren Triston and Hannah. Memorial services will be announced and held at a later time in Fresno, CA. Our family would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at Oceanside Rest Home and Interim Healthcare/Hospice for taking such wonderful care of Bill during his final days. Please consider making a donation in Bill Minkler’s name to Hospice at www.agiftkeepsgiving.com