R.A. Metzler

R. A. "Bill" Metzler passed away June 26, 2012 at his home in Buhl. He was 85.
Bill was born June 9, 1927 to Frank and Elva Metzler of Castleford, the youngest of 8 children. The family farmed near Castleford until they moved to the Lucerne area near Buhl.
He graduated from Buhl High School in 1945. While attending Buhl schools, he met Patty Osterhoudt. The two married and started a family. Pat and Bill farmed throughout the Magic Valley until settling back in Buhl on the family farm. They later divorced.
Bill met Maxine Wilson at a dance and were married shortly after. Bill raised beans, beer barley and alfalfa seed until he retired.
He was known as an excellent craftsman. He was able to make about any tool he wanted or fix any piece of equipment. He loved welding and used his artistic abilities to create everything from whimsical creatures to napkin holders.
When he wasn't farming he enjoyed camping and fishing with his family.
After he retired he still spent countless hours in the shop and garden for it was there he was most relaxed and at peace. Even as cancer riddled his spine, he said he didn't hurt when he was in the garden touching the soil. He was always a farmer.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Maxine Metzler of Buhl and his children: Marian Davis, of Buhl, Howard Metzler of Winnemucca, NV, Carol Metzler (Chuck Orr) of Buhl, George (Laureen) Metzler of Filer, Robin Clark (Bruce Doss) of Boise, Cindy Monson of Iona, Rex Wilson of Jerome and Karma (Clem) Fitzgerald of Shoshone. He has 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren and a myriad of nieces, nephews and neighborhood children who cherish "Papa Bill" very much.
He is also survived by friend and brother-in-law Victor Svancara of Buhl and sister-in-law Joan Metzler of Filer.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Farmer Funeral Chapel in Buhl.