JERMELAND, Willard Neil "Willie" (1929-2005)

BENZING, BLONG, BURKE, DEIKE, JERMELAND, KOEHLER, KOPPS, KNUTSON, MARTH, NILES, OBRIEN, PERRY

Posted By: Jennifer Gunderson (email)
Date: 12/28/2020 at 00:33:58

MASON CITY - Willard N. Jermeland, 76, of 703 S. Taylor Ave. in Mason City, died Saturday afternoon (August 13, 2005) at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Willard Neil Jermeland was born on April 16, 1929, in Ossian, to Theodore and Lena (Knutson) Jermeland. He was raised on the family farm and was one of fifteen children born to his parents. Many of his family members and friends lovingly referred to him as "Willie."

At the age of 17, Willard was inducted into the United States Navy and served in the south Pacific on the U.S.S. Iowa during World War II. He was also stationed at Pearl Harbor, Japan, China, and in the Philippines. After honorably and faithfully completing his designated military time, Willard was formally discharged in 1948.

Willard was united in marriage to Bonnie Mae Kopps in Northwood on Jan. 21, 1950. They became the proud parents of three children, Dennis and twins, Diane and Denise. Celebrating their Norwegian heritage, the holidays and family events and gatherings was of great importance to the family. Bonnie died on January 13, 1969, following a sudden illness.

In 1950, Willard was employed at Armour Meat Packing in Mason City, retiring from Armour 35 years later.

His most current employment was with Alexander Manufacturing in Mason City, as an assembly laborer. He was known as a hard-worker and great provider for his family.

While working at Armour, Willard met Viola J. (Niles) Perry. The couple was married in Mason City on April 29, 1973. Even though Willie considered Viola a good cook, they enjoyed dining out together. Viola describes her husband as a non-complainer, sometimes stubborn, a man with a sense of humor and an avid fan of NASCAR. Many times, she would assist in "packing his van" so Willie could travel to the next NASCAR race, where he would reconnect with other fans and friends.

Willard was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, V.F.W. Post 733 in Mason City and a former member of the union at Armour.

Some of Willie's favorite leisure activities and hobbies included cheering for the Minnesota Twins and the Vikings, fishing with Gabriel and attending NASCAR races in various states.

His children recall that their Dad was a devoted caregiver to many relatives and friends and enjoyed visiting with anyone. Willie would offer not only his time, but also special treats of his labors, such as cracked walnuts, apples brought back from his yearly trek to the orchards in Gays Mills, Wis., and fresh-picked strawberries. Last summer, Willie hand-picked (on his hands and knees) 300 pounds of strawberries to share with his family and friends. His grandchildren will remember their grandfather's hat worn cocked to one side and sharing ice-cream with him.

Willie will be dearly missed by family and friends who have shared in his life.

He is survived by his wife, Viola Jermeland of Mason City; his two daughters and their families: Diane and Marlin Deike (Djon, Matt and Aimee Deike) of Mason City and Denise and Scott Marth (Jamie and son, Ty Marth and Jeff and Laura Marth) of Nora Springs; his son, Dennis Jermeland of Phoenix, Ariz.; his step-sons: Carl and Faye Ann Perry (Dinah and Bill Koehler, Diana Blong, Carl Jr. and Heather Perry and Donna and Tim O'Brien) of Kensett and George and Debra Perry (Patti and Tracy Burke and George Perry, Jr.) of Plymouth; his nephew, Gabriel Niles; his sister Lavonne (Kendall) Benzing of Monona, Iowa; and his two brothers, Joseph Jermeland of Mason City and Ted (Elaine) Jermeland of West Union, Iowa. He will also be sadly missed by many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Willie in death are his first wife, Bonnie Jermeland; his parents, Theodore and Lena Jermeland; his six sisters, Merna, Selma, Leona, Arlette, Arthel and Lillian and his five brothers, Walter, Arthur, Norman, Jerome and John.

Source: www.fullertonfh.com.