William Pretzer

William M. Pretzer, 62, passed away Thursday, December 29, 2011 due to an extended illness at his home where he wanted to be with his loving wife at his side. He was born in Agana, Guam on November 19, 1949 to Dolores Salas Martinez. William spent his childhood on Guam. He was the oldest of six children. While he was younger, he was known as the jokester of the family, always pulling pranks on his sisters. At the age of 15, he moved to Fresno, California. William joined the United States Marine Corps in 1967. He served 13 months in Vietnam while in the USMC. After serving in the military, he returned to California. While living in California, William became the proud father of Charles Oliver, Gina Marie, Katherine Sue, and William John Henry (Billy) Pretzer. He and his family moved to Pocatello, Idaho in 2000. In 2006, he met and married his current wife, Janet Clark Pretzer, and they lived in Pocatello since then. Although he was a retired insurance salesman, William continued to be active within his community. After moving to Pocatello, William was involved in the Marine Corps League, the Vietnam Veterans Association, and POW-MIA. Not only was he the president of the Vietnam Veterans Association, but he also served a year as the commandant of the Marine Corps League. He spent his Christmas holidays as the director of Toys for Tots. He was incredibly involved with raising money for and planning the construction of the South Eastern Idaho Veterans Memorial Project. William was also devoted his family, friends, and fellow military personnel. He donated his love, time, and energy to anyone who needed anything, and he was always willing to help out if needed. Every football season he would cheer on the Oakland Raiders in honor of the birthplace of his father. During the nicer weather, he rode around on his motorcycle, which was one of his favorite things to do. He often wore his trademark Hawaiian shirts. Whatever William did he put his heart into it. William is survived by his wife, Janet C. Pretzer of Pocatello, his children Charles Pretzer of California, Gina, Katherine, and Billy Pretzer of Pocatello, his siblings Joyce (Galen) Garnett, Pam (Daryl) Dittmann, Henry (Mary) Pretzer, Debbie (Dino) Nishikawa of California, and numerous nieces and nephews. William was preceded in death by his mother, Dolores Salas Martinez, his father, Oliver Henry Pretzer, his step-mother, Ione Pretzer, his sister Katherine Pretzer, and his nephew Todd Garnett. A visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, January 2, 2012, at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. 4th Ave. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at Colonial Funeral Home with a visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will follow services with Military Honors at Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions can be made in lieu of flowers to Toys for Tots or to the William Pretzer Memorial Fund in c/o Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 South 4th Avenue Pocatello, Idaho 83201. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.Colonial-FuneralHome.com. Video from Local News 8: (click picture or copy and past link into your browser: http://www.localnews8.com/video/30137597/index.html)