William "Will" George Guensch

William George Guensch, 71, a pillar of the Indian Head, Maryland community, passed away on May 8, 2023.  

Will was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and George, his sister Marjorie and by his dog, Bailey.  He is survived by his devoted wife Theresa, three daughters, his brother, and eight beloved grandchildren.

Will was born on June 19, 1951 in Providence, Rhode Island.  He spent his childhood with his younger siblings Marjorie and Fred, as the family moved to New Jersey, Pennsylvania and finally to Maryland.

After graduating from Potomac High School.  Will enlisted in the US Navy, serving as an Aviation Mechanic during the Viet Nam era.  He was stationed in the Mediterranean, and in later years, delighted in sharing the colorful stories from that time of his life.  Will was a proud Veteran, particularly of his family heritage in the armed services.  The years he spent in service of his country, both on active and reserve duty, were enormously important to him.  He spent his whole life honoring other service members and his country.

Upon returning from service to his country, Will kindled a romance with his eventual wife and life partner, Theresa.  They wed on February 7, 1984.  Their love story is an inspiration to many, especially to their daughters who hold it as the ultimate tale of commitment, dedication and friendship.  Together they raised their three daughters, Karen Mae, Valerie Lynn, and Erin Marie, in a nurturing home full of love and fun.  Will considered being a father one of his most important roles, and he provided protection, guidance, support, and strong family values to a thriving family tree throughout the course of his life.  Will embraced sons-in-law, Matthew Smith and Matthew Eden, offering patient counsel and enduring affection.  He doted on grandchildren, Victoria, Samantha, Hailey, Katelynn, Taylor, Callie, Kenton and Nolan.  Beyond that, his home was always open to the neighborhood children in Potomac Heights, who viewed Will as an auxiliary dad. 

Demonstrating a strong work ethic and admirable independence, Will made his living engaged in various successful ventures.  Most notably, he was the owner and sole proprietor of Will’s Painting and Restorations for over 20 years.  He took pride in his trade and his work, dealing honestly and fairly with his customers, and providing high-quality craftsmanship in every home.  

He also worked for many years as a crabberman, both as a commercial enterprise and a labor of love.  He spent many happy days on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River.  He shared that passion with his children and grandchildren, and he could always be counted on to entertain, with countless tales of his adventures on the boat. 

Additionally, Will earned a real estate license, and worked in that field to help his customers buy and sell their homes. 

Will was a girls’ softball coach for more than twelve years, coaching at Lackey High School for two years.  He was devoted, motivating and encouraging.  He kept in touch with many of the players on his team long after retiring as a coach.

Will was an avid gardener.  He cultivated and tended an ample garden every summer, providing fresh vegetables for his own table, and for friends and family.  Like everything in his life, Will’s garden was meticulously planned.  His plots were laid out, and his soil tilled and enriched with compost, long before the first sprouts went into the ground.  Working in his garden was a great joy for him, and one of his favorite ways to spend time with his wife.

Will was an accomplished deer hunter, who enjoyed many seasons with his friends and family in deer stands, hunting in the woods.  Hunting in the early hours gave him a great sense of calm and connection.  Outdoors was always his favorite place to be.

Will was a Civil War buff.  One didn’t have to look far to find evidence of this along his bookshelf.  For many years the family enjoyed annual trips to Gettysburg, clambering over the rocks of Devil’s Den, while Will shared the histories of the battles that were fought over that land with his children and grandchildren.  He had a great passion for history and storytelling.

Most recently, Will took up the hobby of woodworking.  He left his family with many beautiful mementos, reminders in equal parts of both his devotion and his craftsmanship. 

Will was an honest man.  He was humble, unpretentious, and fair.  He brought integrity to his dealings with others.  He always spoke his mind but was respectful of other opinions.  Above all, he was a strong Christian, placing his faith in God and Jesus Christ.  He savored life but was at peace going to meet his lord and savior.  In recent years Will worked diligently to become an ordained minister, following a path to which God had called him.  In service of that calling, and continuing the strong sense of community he fostered throughout his lifetime, Will provided comfort and aid to those in need. 

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM.

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