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  • Bill "Smokestack" Foerschler, El Cajon/San Diego: August 24, 2017

Author Topic: Bill “Smokestack” Foerschler, 72, USN/PGR, El Cajon/San Diego-24 AUG 2017  (Read 2009 times)

Ryan Wynn

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    • Ronald H. Wynn
The family of Bill “Smokestack” Foerschler has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor this hero for his service to his country.  It is with heavy heart and boundless reverence that we do so.

Billy Richard “Smokestack” Foerschler, 72, proudly served his country in the US Navy where he achieved the rank of Machinists Mate 3rd Class (MM3).  He served 4 years active duty (1964 - 1968) and 2 years in the reserves (1968-1970).  He was deployed to Vietnam.

After the military Bill worked for DOD Navy FTSCPC for over 40 years.  He enjoyed sailing his 30” Catamaran in ocean races and against different yacht clubs.  Bill’s second favorite activity was riding his Goldwing.  He was a member, and Road Captain, of Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA), and he enjoyed his membership in the ALR.

Bill started the Veterans Without Family missions in San Diego, first at Fort Rosecrans then Miramar National Cemetery where he could be found every Tuesday.  With at least one mission per week, Bill was one of the most prolific Ride Captains with the SoCal PGR.   As an RC, a friend and a brother, he will be missed.

Bill was the oldest of 7 children.  He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Maggie (Knoth); son Tad Knoth and Brenda, daughter DeAnna Greco and Art, 5 grandchild; brothers; Robert “Bob”, Dennis, Kevin and sisters Denise, Kathleen and Marilyn and numerous nieces and nephews. 

There will be tags for this mission.

NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran and our PGR brother. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying this hero from the mortuary to his final resting place, Miramar National Cemetery. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.

NOTE: There will be a Celebration of Life for Smokestack immediately following the funeral service.  It will be held at VFW Post 2275, 136 N. Chambers St, El Cajon, CA 92020.  https://goo.gl/maps/chvKV7JCYyr  Everyone is invited to attend.


Time Table for Thursday, August 24, 2017:
1200 – Stage at El Cajon Mortuary & Cremation Service, 684 S. Mollison Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020 https://goo.gl/maps/7wniDzwsfPM2
1230 – Mission Briefing
1300 – KSU for accompaniment to Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122 https://goo.gl/maps/DijzKPmVBPB2
1400 – Flag Line, Funeral Service with Full Military Honors


R/C Lorenzo Lizarraga
PGR SoCal Regional Ride Captain
llizarraga@yahoo.com
619-971-2236



              Billy Richard "Smokestack" Foerschler
                            4/7/1945 – 8/7/2017


You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain).  Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car).  Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can.  Please ride/drive safely.