By Erika A. Bruckner
Children around the globe were captivated by artwork that brought Bible stories and concepts to life in BCM publications. The artist who lent his talents to BCM projects in the 1960s and ’70s was William C. Ressler, A.W.S., who recently went to be with the Lord. His work was featured in BCM’s curriculum like Footsteps of Faith, New Testament Volume 4, and the art for all four volumes of the original Tiny Steps of Faith and “Sir Knight of the Splendid Way.” William Ressler also created flannelgraphs in many BCM teaching series.
“His ministry continues at BCM through all the artwork he created for our publications,” says BCM President Dr. Rick Rhoads. “Throughout the years, BCM International and so many children around the globe have been blessed by his amazing artwork…We at BCM, especially those that had the privilege of knowing him, are honored by his contribution to the global mission of reaching children and strengthening the church.”
Ressler, who passed away in October 2025, is remembered as “a devoted servant to God, his family and his church,” according to the obituary on the Marvil Family Funeral Homes website. He studied illustration at the University of the Arts, served with the U.S. Army Engineers in the Philippines, graduated from Cairn University, and was a member of the American Watercolor Society and the Philadelphia Watercolor Society.
His faith inspired his art, and other subjects of his work include architectural renderings and paintings of cities, towns and rural areas. His art also appeared in the “Saturday Evening Post,” “Farm Journal,” and “Israel My Glory.”
Read more at WilliamRessler.com and MarvilFuneralHome.com.
BCM International is thankful for William Ressler’s faithful work for Christ through BCM and other organizations, and we wish his family peace and comfort.
