Bladt, Willis L. (1923 - 2011)

BLADT, HOLDORF, PETERSEN, WADE, WADE

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 4/9/2013 at 15:57:28

Posted by permission

Willis L. Bladt - 88

Willis Linn Bladt was born on February 8, 1923 to Daniel and Ida Sophie (Holdorf) Bladt in Pleasant Township in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. He attended Shelby High School and graduated with the Class of 1940.

Willis married Norma Arlene Petersen on February 5, 1947 at the Minden Congregational Church. Three children were born to this union: Sharon Kaye, Dennis Lynn and Julie Ann.

Willis was a farmer and raised livestock nearly all his life. He spent significant time raising horses, as well as showing them. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family, especially with his grandson Anthony.

Willis retired from farming in 1998 and remained at the family’s farm in Avoca.

Willis died at his home, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, having attained the age of eighty-eight years, three months and twenty-five days. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Elwin "Bud" Bladt.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Norma Bladt of Avoca, Iowa; his children: Sharon Kaye Bladt, Dennis Lynn Bladt and Julie Ann Wade and her significant other Bruce Arp all of Avoca; grandson Anthony Douglas Wade of Avoca; brother Donald Bladt of Shelby, Iowa; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Pastor Dennis Reich officiated the 1:00 PM funeral service at Pauley Jones Funeral Home on Monday, June 27, 2011. Honorary casket bearers were Steven Bladt, Daniel Bladt, Larry Lippold, Raleigh Woltmann, Willard Dittmer, Mark Wise, Larry Bladt, and Lance Buck. Serving as casket bearers were Roger Zacharias, Rodney Polacek, David Bladt, Wayne Bladt, David Schnepel, Dale Klindt, Paul Wise, and Thomas Jilg. Interment was held at the Shelby Cemetery in Shelby, Iowa.