William H. Handeler Jr. passed away peacefully in his home located in Naples, Florida on Sunday, December 30, 2012 with his wife Edith at his side.
He was born in New York City, U.S. Army veteran served honorably during the Korean War. On October 15, 1953 William married Edith in her home town of Wuppertal, Germany. Upon completion of his military service they moved to New York City. In 1973 they celebrated their Silver Anniversary and in 2003 their Golden Anniversary in Naples, Florida.
William and Edith became very active in the German American Community. William is an Honorary president of the Bavarian Club "Schuhplattler V.V. Original Enzian Inc." in New York, Honorary President of the "Vereinigte Bayern von Gross New York & New Jersey Inc. He was the Chairman of the German American Steuben Parade in New York City for eight years which brought him fame not only in the United States but also in Germany. William was honored with the title of Honorary Chairman for all his dedicated work and was bestowed the German "Bundesverdienstkreuz" by the German government and the high Honor of receiving the "Bavarian Verdienstorden". He was a strong supporter of the Gauverband Nordamerika and long time member of Original Enzian.
William was a member of the "Kölsche Rut Wiess vun 1823" and was the "Karnelvalprinz" von New York in 1979 and 1983.
He is an Honorary Director of "The United German-American Committee" which is now the "German Heritage Foundation", in Washington D.C. and is the recipient of the Founders Award and is an Honorary Director for his 10 years of service. The "United German-American Committee" began raising funds to erect "Das Auswandererdenkmal" in Bremerhaven, Germany in 1985.
William was tremendously proud to be called by President Reagan's office to serve on the "Presidential Commission for the "German-American Tri-centennial". President Reagan then awarded the German American Community with land between the White House and the Jefferson Memorial on the grounds of the Washington Monument where a "German-American Friendship Garden" was created.
William H. Handeler Jr. was a very accomplished German-American and his wife Edith was proud to assist him in his endeavors. The German-American Community has lost a great citizen.
Ruhe in Frieden, William
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