Willadsen, Bob R. (1930-2017)

WILLADSEN, THOMPSON, LUTHER, TWOGOOD, HOFF

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 5/23/2017 at 15:19:42

Bob R. Willadsen
October 3, 1930 - March 13, 2017

Bob R. Willadsen, 86, of Storm Lake, Iowa, passed away on March 13, 2017, in Mesa, Arizona.

Better known in his younger years as “Bobby” or “Scooter,” Bob was born in Newell, Iowa, to Jay and Dora (Thompson) Willadsen on October 3, 1930. He graduated from Storm Lake High in 1948 and Buena Vista College in 1952. Playing both high school and college sports, he became known as a fierce competitor in football, basketball, and track. Indeed, his high school teammates described him as the “speedster of the squad” and “the spark plug of the team." His prowess on the football field at Buena Vista earned him recognition as a First Team Iowa Conference selection in 1951, the only unanimous choice of the coaches, and Honorable Mention, Little All American. For many years, he held the state high school record for the 100-yard dash. In 1972, he was inducted into the BV Hall of Fame.

Following his college years, Bob served in the US Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. He advanced to the rank of sergeant and earned the National Defense Service and Good Conduct medals. While working as a Territory Sales Manager for North American Mfg. and residing in Fremont, California, Bob met his future bride, Marjorie A. Luther. They married on June 17, 1967, in Fremont. Subsequently, they had two wonderful children, Jennifer and Jay, who filled their hearts with pride and joy and gave them five very special grandchildren.

Bob moved his family to Storm Lake, Iowa, in 1974 to work for Noble Manufacturing Company in their implement sales division. When Noble closed, he worked for a brief time with the Iowa Lottery before accepting a sales position with the John Day Company, which he held until he retired. He belonged to and actively participated in the Elks Club, the Lakeside Presbyterian Church, the BV Club, and the Lake Creek Country Club.

Springtime would find him along the left field fence of the softball games where he cheered for Marge’s BVU teams. Her most loyal supporter, he never missed a home game. He treated her players like members of his own family and always had a smile or encouraging word for each one.

Bob valued his family above all else. His daughter, Jennifer, and his son, Jay, blessed him with five grandchildren, who became the light of his life. He cherished spending time with them and especially loved taking them out for a spin around the lake on his pontoon boat, watching them in their sporting activities, and hearing about their educational endeavors. His new and most endeared nickname became “Grandpa Bob.”

Bob relished spending time discussing the Beavers’ or Hawkeyes’ games with friends at the former “Sportsman” store each morning. He, also, enjoyed golfing, fishing, boating, and vacationing in the Cayman Islands. After he retired, he served as a volunteer football coach for Buena Vista University and felt a particular pride when the student-athletes called him “coach.”

Eight years ago, Bob and Marge began spending winters in Mesa, Arizona, with fellow Storm Lakers. This past fall, they decided to sell their Storm Lake home and move to Mesa full-time. They had recently purchased a home and had moved in only two weeks before his passing. Bob enjoyed spending those last few days with his wife and children. Moreover, he, very much, appreciated the many visits by close friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Dora Willadsen; and his sister, Blanche Twogood. He is survived by his wife, Marge (Luther) Willadsen; his daughter, Jennifer (Willadsen) Hoff; his son-in-law, Dale, and his grandchildren: Hailey, Kylie, and Tegan, of Hermantown, Minnesota; and his son, Jay Willadsen, his daughter-in-law, Kristy (Kemper), and his grandchildren: Conner and Cooper, of Hopkinton, Massachusetts.

John Wooden once said, “The most Important thing in the world is family and love,” and “It is not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.” The motto under Bob’s name in his senior yearbook said, “It is better to be small and shine than great and cast a dark shadow.” These quotes reflect Bob’s character and the way he lived his life as a husband, dad, grandpa, and friend.

The family thanks all of you who chose to share your friendship with Bob. He, always, had a smile and a kind word for you. We have appreciated your comfort and prayers through this difficult time. Please join us for lunch following the service and stop to say hello and share your memories with us.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Bob Willadsen Endowed Football Fund at Buena Vista University or the Lakeside Presbyterian Church of Storm Lake, Iowa.

Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on May 11, 2017, at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on May 12, 2017, at Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Storm Lake, Iowa, with Pastor Chuck Valenti-Hein officiating. Burial will take place at the Storm Lake Cemetery. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Homes in Storm Lake is overseeing the arrangements.

Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Homes, 2017

Buena Vista Obituaries maintained by LaVern Velau.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen