William B Stuhler

June 8, 1930 – December 22, 2024

William Benno Stuhler, age 94, of Plano, Texas, passed away on December 22, 2024, after a brief illness. Known as Wolfgang in his childhood, William was born on June 8, 1930, in Frankfurt, Germany, to Benno and Augusta Stuhler. He spent his childhood years in Germany. After World War II was over his family decided to immigrate to America. In 1948, they settled in Brooklyn, New York, where, upon meeting new acquaintances, he became known as Bill.

Bill pursued a career in mechanical engineering and, in the late 1950s, relocated to North Texas, where he married and started a family. He worked for Collins Radio in Richardson for many years before founding his own company, Production Aids Corporation. Over the years, he obtained multiple patents for machines he designed and built, including an automatic transmission bicycle and automated machinery used for assembling and packaging Mary Kay cosmetics.

Bill’s skill and enthusiasm for problem-solving were the catalysts that allowed him to help companies increase efficiency in the workplace. His expertise and innovative thinking led to the development of machines that streamlined operations, making a significant impact on the businesses that used them. Bill found great fulfillment in knowing his work contributed to the success of others.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill was a man of many passions. He loved sailing on Lake Texoma with his wife, Bette, and their children. Camping was another cherished family activity, creating countless memories around campfires and under the stars. Bill and Bette also traveled extensively, embarking on adventures across Greece, Italy, France, and beyond. They particularly enjoyed cruising, with Alaska being one of their favorite destinations.

Although Bill’s early years were spent in Germany, he became an avid fan of American sports, cheering for the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. He also took great joy in supporting his children’s and grandchildren’s athletic activities. A skilled builder, he once designed and built a go-kart for racing, finding as much joy in its creation as his grandchildren did in riding it.

During his retirement years, one of Bill’s favorite pastimes was his weekly cigar gatherings with his close friends. Every week at 4 PM, they would meet on the patio with cigars and whiskey, engaging in deep conversations. When asked what they talked about, Bill would often say, “We talk about all the problems in the world, but we never solve any of them.”

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bette and his parents, Benno and Augusta Stuhler. He is survived by his loving children: Denise Mullins and husband Randy of Plano; David Stuhler and wife Lisa of Bay City; Maryanne Hodges and husband Don of McKinney; John Stuhler and wife Shannon of Prosper; and Monte Stuhler and wife Terry of Allen.. He was a proud grandfather to Ronnie, Taylor, Kelsey, Austin, Tara, Haley, Harrison, Miles, Matt, Mickelle, and Corey, as well as a cherished great-grandfather to Noah, Carter, Makenna, Matt, Jaxen, Gracie, Brees, Major, Jade, Reese, Havilah, Liam, and Bryson.

He is also survived by his brothers, Larry and Norbert, and their beloved families.

A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held on March 7, 2025, at 11 AM at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 6400 McKinney Ranch Parkway, McKinney, TX 75070.

Bill’s legacy of innovation, adventure, and love for family will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

“Your footsteps can never be filled, nor your love ever forgotten.”