William Gessner

Sheffield, VT:  William Arthur Gessner, age 76, died at the Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center in Lyndonville, VT, early Monday, February 5, 2024, following a long decline.

Bill was born in Yonkers, NY, on February 20, 1947, the older twin son of Elizabeth (Betty) (Preisel) and Norman Paul Gessner.  Betty died when the boys were 11 years old. Norman married Martha (Beha) in 1962, and she became Bill’s mom. 

Bill grew up in Yonkers, NY, graduating from Iona Prep in the Class of 1965.  He matriculated to Syracuse University and received a Bachelors in Landscape Architecture. After college he joined VISTA and spent time working with a community in St. Croix. Upon returning to the states he bought a 10 speed bicycle and traveled across the United States on it, twice, making many friends along the way. He married Wendy Barnard in 1973 and they shared 33 years together until her death in 2006.  

Bill was well loved in the community.  He was known for his kindness and generosity to anyone who needed help or wanted to share a story. He loved  the woods and spent much of his life building and working on his homestead with Wendy. Together they owned and operated East Sheffield Wreaths selling both locally and by mail order on a global scale.

Bill worked for many people in the area over the years, designing, planting and maintaining apple orchards.  He was widely regarded as one of the best grafters in the area. He selectively logged his property for both firewood and lumber.  He worked in the local school system mentoring and tutoring students who needed extra compassion and academic help.  Bill also worked for Caledonia Home Health and Hospice providing comfort to those nearing the end of their lives.

Bill is survived by his mother, Martha B. Gessner, of Littleton, NH, his 2 children: Daniel of Sheffield, VT, Katherine Gessner (Nick Davis) of Sheffield, his twin brother, Robert “Bob” Gessner (Mary Ann) also of Sheffield and nephews, Mark Gessner (Dawn) and Ryan (Kate) and dear friend, Ellen Doyle.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Pines for their excellent care throughout Bill’s stay there.

There will be no calling hours or services at this time.  Burial will take place at a later time at the Wm. Dexter Cemetery in Sheffield.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.guibordfh.com