Posted by Mary Studer Moore on June 15, 2024:

Lt. Col. William Francis Studer 1923 September 26 - 2022 August 3   Our most beloved father Lt. Col. William (Bill) Francis Studer fell at his home in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. This unfortunate fall resulted in a broken arm and shoulder. Bill entered a rehab facility, for only a few days, then he was transferred to the ER because they had diagnosed him with Covid. The following morning Bill expired at the age of ninety-eight years, eleven months and twenty-five days. Bill graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help High School, as class valedictorian in 1940, in Chesaning, Michigan. December 1942, he received a nomination to attend West Point and graduated Class of 1946. Some of his Duty Stations while in the Regular Army and then in the United States Air Force were... 3010th AAF Base Unit, Williams Field, Chandler, Arizona, 3028th AAF Base Unit, Luke Field, Phoenix, Arizona, Hobbs, New Mexico, 47th Bombardment Group, Biggs Field, El Paso, Texas, 84th Bomb Squad, Hamilton Air Force Base, Hamilton Field, California , 24th Air Depot, Harman, Guam, Panama Canal Zone, 75th Ftr Sq, SE, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton Ohio, Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, Air Attaché, US Embassy, Paris, France, Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, Reconnaissance Pilot in Vietnam 360th TEWS, Assistant to The Secretary of State, US State Department, and The Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, Washington DC. Bill was born in Chesaning, Michigan on September 26 1923. His father had a farm in his early years then, he began a small building company where he built residential and commercial structures, including the school house where Bill and several of his eleven brothers and sister attended classes. His upbringing was middle class, Catholic and of Swiss origin. His family was close knit and loving. Bill, a devout Christian and a patriot, decided that the military life was his desire and duty. He was fortunate to receive an appointment to the National Academy at West Point for further education and training. This blessing resulting in a long and prominent career. Bill earned many medals. Some of them are... Distinguish Flying Cross + 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster , Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal + 6, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Outstanding Unit Award, American Campaign Medal, WW II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon 2BROLC, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. From 1963 to 1966 Bill, happily and graciously, served our country in Paris, France. He spoke fluent French, and entertained many Generals and dignitaries from other foreign countries, Bill excelled in his many endeavors and was recognized by those above him when he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel. His career was one of honor and the highest promise. He was dedicated, faithful and held the highest ethical and moral standards. His merits were recognized by the French people and his wife and children happily supported him and loved him dearly. Bill retired in 1973 June, the ceremony was held at The Pentagon with most his family in attendance. Bill was born 1923 September 26, into a family of twelve children. His parents, John Leo Studer and Hildegard Lemper Studer, raised their family in the small town of Chesaning, Michigan. His parents predeceased Bill, as did most of his siblings: Avelina, Richard, Bernice, Betty, Joan, Vincent, Victor, and Blanche. His sister Charmaine survives him. Young Bill excelled in his studies, and the high school valedictorian received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1946 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps. When the Air Force was created, Bill enthusiastically joined, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring in 1973. Bill had a long, distinguished, and respected career, highlighted by serving in a diplomatic post in Paris, France. As an Assistant Air Attaché, Bill charmed and impressed his French colleagues, as well as the many others with whom he spoke, because of his complete mastery of the French language. While overseas Bill enjoyed traveling with his family to various European countries. While in Vietnam, 1967 to 1968, Bill flew with the 362d Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron. For his expertise in flying reconnaissance missions and his bravery, he was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross + 1 (a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster). In 1948, Bill married Marion at St Patrick Cathedral in El Paso, Texas (formerly Marion Henning of El Paso). Together they raised five children: William F Studer Jr. (Teresa), Joan MacCartee (Carl), Jeanne Studer Hansen (Walt), Mary Studer Moore (Don), and Anne Koval (Doug). After 65 years of marriage, Marion preceded Bill in death and into eternal life. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Jimmy, Julie, Robert, Victoria, Michelle, Michael, and four great grandchildren. Bill's loyalties were to the Lord Jesus, his family, and his country. In retirement, Bill and Marion enjoyed touring the United States in their RV, visiting family and friends. They were also gracious entertainers. Together, Bill and Marion ushered at the Spencer Theater in Ruidoso, along with benefitting the community with their many other volunteer activities. What was most dear to their hearts was St. Eleanor Catholic Church. They raised funds for the new church building, fellowshipped, and volunteered. Bill was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. An engraved stone sits in front of the church building honoring Bill and Marion for their energy and commitment to Right to Life. On 2022 August 22, a service was held at St. Patrick Cathedral in El Paso followed by internment at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.

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