Willis Gene Calkins

CALKINS, BITTNER, MAHER, NEIDER, MOELLER

Posted By: Tara (email)
Date: 5/22/2009 at 17:11:44

Willis Gene Calkins, 82, of 4588 Freund Rd. SW, died Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at Iowa City Rehabilitation & Health Care Center following an extended illness. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, September 12 at St. Bridget’s Cemetery. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to The Willis G. Calkins Memorial Fund. Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service is handling the arrangements.

Willis was born on August 23, 1926 in Iowa City, the son of Seth and Dorothy Bittner Calkins. Willis attended Iowa City schools throughout his childhood. From 1945-1947, he served in The United States Army and served during WWII. On October 7, 1967 Willis was united in marriage with Carol Maher in Iowa City. After their marriage, Willis went to work for the University of Iowa where he served as a sheet metal worker and a roofer for over 23 years until his retirement in 1990.

Willis was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, a member of The Iowa National Guard from 1947-1958, a past member of the Eagles Lodge and a past member of The Izaak Walton League.

Willis is survived by his wife Carol, two sons; William Thomas Calkins of Iowa City and Seth Allen Calkins of Coralville, two brothers; Lawrence (Lucille) Calkins of Iowa City and Donald (Betty) of Coralville, one sister; Delores Neider of Estherville, IA, a sister-in-law; Kay Calkins of Iowa City, four grandchildren; Tyler, Tanner, Rebecca and Hunter, and many nieces and nephews.

Willis was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Terry Calkins, a sister Doris Moeller and a nephew Dan Neider.