Gilbert G. Metzler

Gilbert Gottlieb Metzler January 3, 1923 to May 11, 2021 Gilbert ‘Gil‘ Gottlieb Metzler was born at home on January 3, 1923 in Fresno, CA and passed away, peacefully, on May 11, 2021. He was the third child of Gottlieb and Katie (Dahlinger) Metzler and had two older sisters, Helen and Mildred. Gil grew up knowing the meaning of work but also enjoyed frolicking with his friends. He attended school in Fresno, graduating from Roosevelt High School in June 1941. Gil enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1943 and served oversees in England, France and Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1946. When he returned home from the war, he attended Fresno State College. During a summer session at Huntington Lake, he met Pauline ‘Polly’ Willis and they were married in Fresno on July 10, 1948. After getting his degree in Accounting, he began his career with Sierra Meat Co as their bookkeeper. During this time, Gil and Polly added three children to their family - Marcia, Bruce and Mark. In 1962, Gil took a job with Darling Delaware in San Francisco and moved the family to the Bay Area. In 1987, Gil retired from his job and he and Polly moved to Corvallis to be close to Marcia’s family. They became involved in the community where Gil volunteered as a Dial-a-Bus driver, Master Gardener, volunteer at Vina Moses and was very active in several aspects of their church, Suburban Christian. Gil had a strong Christian faith. Helping friends, exchanging jokes and sharing a meal with them were special moments to Gil. Gil and Polly spent time with their family, traveled around the US, Europe and took many trips to Fresno. Polly passed away in 2013 and Gil continued to travel and visit with friends but missed Polly dearly. We know that Dad and Mom are happily reunited in heaven and are busy catching up on family details. Gil was known and remembered as someone who honored relationships with family, friends and work associates. He treated others fairly. He was respectful, kind and generous with a positive spirit and helping hand. He loved playing cards and games with family and friends. He enjoyed golf, fishing, walks outdoors, the mountains and the ocean. Unfortunately dementia set in and Gil lived the past four years in a memory care facility where he was always searching for family, trying to help out and wanting to drive to Fresno. His love and presence are deeply missed. Gil is survived by his daughter Marcia Gilson (Charlie) of Philomath, Bruce Metzler of Pismo Beach, CA and Mark Metzler, of Bellingham, WA, grandchildren Amy (Gilson) Temprosa, Tom Gilson, Melissa (Gilson) Botwinick, Megan (Gilson) Brannon and Ty Gilson; Lyndsy Metzler and Scott Metzler; Andy Metzler and Katie (Metzler) Scherer; and twelve great grandchildren. A celebration of his life is planned for Saturday July 10, 11:30 at Suburban Christian Church 2760 SW 53rd Street, Corvallis. . For details, contact Marcia Gilson. In memory of Gil, please consider reaching out to a friend, listen to their story and share a meal or a plate of cookies with them. You won’t regret it. Demoss-Durdan is handling arrangements

Gilbert G. Metzler

January 3, 1923 - May 11, 2021