Former Sheridan resident Joel William Troxler, 62, of Judith Gap, Mont., died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, in Cortlandt Manor, N.Y., near his daughter's home.

A memorial celebration is planned in the summer.

Born Aug. 6, 1946, in Salt Lake City to William and Norma Troxler, he graduated from Sheridan High School in 1964 and served in the military during the Vietnam War.

He earned a Ph.D. in engineering from Texas A & M and taught at various colleges, retiring in 2001 from Montana State University-Bozeman.

He was known as a true maverick with a quick wit, a master welder, and a builder of homes, barns, and furniture.

He wrote a book based on his experiences growing up.

Survivors include four children, Sacha of Yorktown Heights, N.Y., Ian of Big Sky, Mont., Amanda of Portland, Ore., and Anna Schwab of Bozeman, Mont.; three sisters, Susan Holt of Salt Lake City, Julie Muelleck of Highland, Utah, and Kathleen Turner of Paradise, Calif.; three grandsons; and many nieces and nephews.

The Sheridan Press - January 31, 2009.