Wells, Willis (1925-2007)
WELLS, HAMMEN, COON, SIELA, FITZPATRICK
Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 4/13/2010 at 12:58:07
Willis Wells - Nov. 30, 1925 - Mar. 1, 2007
Willis Wilbert William Wells, age 81, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died Thursday, March 1, 2007, at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.
Willis was born November 30, 1925, to Lloyd Henry and Margaret Catherine (Hammen) Wells. He was delivered by a midwife on a farm near Twin Lakes in Calhoun County, Iowa. He was baptized as an infant in the Catholic faith at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Manson, Iowa. He later confirmed his faith as a youth at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Varina, Iowa.
Willis attended grade school at Jolley Consolidated School, Pomeroy and then Varina before graduating from St. Columbkille High School in Varina in 1944.
Willis answered the call of his country in September of 1950, being one of the first inductees from Pocahontas County, Iowa, to be called by the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He served as a carpenter instructor stateside until September 1952 when he was transferred to active status in the Army Ready Reserves. He was honorably discharged on April 15, 1957, at the rank of corporal. Following his return home, Willis furthered his education by way of the G.I. Bill and completed agricultural courses.
On August 19, 1953, Willis was united in holy matrimony to Lorene Marie Coon at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sac City, Iowa. The couple was blessed with a daughter, LaDonna, and a son, Craig. Willis and Lorene raised their family on their livestock and grain farm, which included double-crop sweet pea fields. Willis loved farming and the life it provided for him and his family. He was an innovative man in farming techniques and a true pioneer conservationist. His nature was creative and inventive, and he obtained a patent for his MW plow ridger. Willis happily worked the land until his retirement in 1988 when he and Lorene moved into Storm Lake.
A lifelong, faithful member of the Catholic Church, Willis moved his membership to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in 1961 where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, usher and was involved with St. Mary’s cemetery. He was a 60-year member of the Knights of Columbus. An ardent supporter of St. Mary’s School, Willis especially enjoyed watching the St. Mary’s basketball teams in action. Willis delivered Meals on Wheels whenever needed. He was a regular blood bank donor and member of the Farm Bureau.
Willis was a people person, and he enjoyed his membership in Hayes Farmers and Friendly Neighbor Clubs. He delighted in playing 500 with friends and family. A loving husband and devoted father, Willis treasured his family and the time he could spend with them. He will be missed dearly by family and friends alike.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 53 years, Lorene of Storm Lake; daughter LaDonna Wells fo Grand Island, Nebraska; son Craig (Cindy) Wells of Storm Lake; grandchildren: Angela, Lincoln, Winston and Nolan Wells of Storm Lake; brother Orville (Judy) Wells and sister Katheryn Siela, all of Fonda, Iowa; sisters-in-law Ann Wells of Pocahontas, Iowa, and Bernice Wells of Fonda, Iowa; brother-in-law Thomas Fitzpatrick of Storm Lake; extended family and a host of friends.
Willis was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Deland and Marlyn; his sister, Naomi Fitzpatrick; brother-in-law Gerald Siela; and sister-in-law Betty Wells.
Funeral Mass will be concelebrated by Reverends Bruce Lawler and Thomas Hart at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 5, 2007, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Storm Lake with full military rites by AMVETS Post 66. Arrangements are under the direction of the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.
Friends may call at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake on Sunday, March 4, 2007, from 3:00 until 8:00 p.m. where the family will be present from 6:00 until 8:00. A Legion of Mary Rosary will be recited at 3:30 and a Parish Vigil Service will be held at 7:00, followed by a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:30, all at the funeral home.
May God Bless the memory of Willis Wells.
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