William L. Hatzenbuhler

Of Ransomville, NY passed away March 11, 2024. He was born in Broadalbin, NY on  September 20, 1940, son of late William W. and Ora Mae [Goodemote] Hatzenbuhler.

Mr. Hatzenbuhler was employed as a Piano Tuner ans Organ Builder. He helped restore the pipe organs at Sheas and Riveria Theatres. He was the organist at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Buffalo. 

He was a graduate of Houghton College with a degree in sacred music performance. He was a gifted musician and master craftsman of pianos and pipe organs. He started his career at Delaware Organ Company in Tonawanda, New York before opening his own business, Hatzenbuhler Piano and Pipe Organ.  He was the tuner and caretaker for many of the school and church pianos across Western New York. He was an avid silent movie collector and would bring his projector and films out for local groups to view, and then would bring them to life by accompanying them on the piano or organ, completely improvising as he went. He was part of the restoration team for the Shaes Theatre organ, the Riviera Theater organ, the Herschel Carousel Museum band organ and various other instruments of that type.

He was a gifted musician and loved to play the pipe organ any chance he got. He was the organist for the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints for 40+ years. In addition to his love of music, he was passionate about early aviation and at one point, considered flying lessons to get his pilot’s license. He loved nature and animals and could always be found in his recliner with a cat on his lap.

He is survived by his wife Marjorie E. [Forkel] Hatzenbuhler, daughter Maer Rose Hatzenbuhler, brother Douglas A. (Nicole) Hatzenbuhler, sisters Martha (Roger) Eddy, Charles (Karin) Forkel and Elwood (Karin) Forkel and several nieces and nephews.

He was the father of the late Emilie Rae Hatzenbuhler.

Visitation on Friday, March 15 from 10-11AM, where services follow 11AM, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 754 Scovell Drive Lewiston, NY.

Interment in Mt. View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to ECMC Foundation, 462 Grider, Suite G1, Buffalo, NY  14215, towards Kidney Transplants.

Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com for guest register.

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