Premium cutlery maker Messermeister announced Debra “Debbie” Dressler, its co-founder and president, passed away peacefully.
Debbie Dressler and her husband, the late Bernd Dressler, founded Messermeister in 1981, building it into an internationally distributed brand of forged German cutlery and related culinary accessories.
Upon Bernd Dressler’s death in 2002, Debbie Dressler stepped in to expand the brand, diversifying its collections and pioneering sustainable materials among other innovations. With the support of her daughters, Chelcea and Kirsten Dressler, Ojai, CA-based Messermeister moved forward as a 100% women-owned, multi-generational company. Debbie Dressler forged deep relationships with craftspeople, a commitment to quality and a respect for the chefs, retailers and home cooks who trusted Messermeister tools in their kitchens, according to the company.
“Our mother taught us to honor tradition while fearlessly innovating beyond it,” said Chelcea Dressler, Messermeister principal and COO. “We will carry her vision forward with pride.”
“She led with heart, courage and an unwavering belief in the power of craft, family, and community,” added Kirsten Dressler, Messermeister principal and CMO of Messermeister. “Her legacy lives in every knife we make and in the people whose lives she touched.”
The company said plans for a celebration of Debbie Dressler’s life will be announced later.
Pictured above: L-R, Messermeister’s Kirsten, Debbie and Chelcea Dressler.
