Walter Thomas “Tom” Willson, Jr 1944 - 2017

COOKE, WILLSON, WIELING

Posted By: Connie Swearingen -Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/21/2017 at 21:48:22

Tom Willson, age 73, of Danbury, Iowa, passed away, Wednesday, October 25, 2017, at the Unity Point Heath – St. Luke’s Hospital, of Sioux City, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 30, 2017, at the Armstrong – Van Houten Funeral Home, of Mapleton, Iowa. The Reverend Jena Manchester will officiate; with committal services following in the Danbury Catholic Cemetery of Danbury, Iowa. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 30, 2017, at the Armstrong – Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa. The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com

Walter Thomas “Tom” Willson, Jr. was the second oldest of five children. He was born on May 23, 1944, in rural Smithland, IA to Walter Thomas and Margie (Cooke) Willson, Sr. Tom grew up in the Smithland and Castana, IA areas for most of his childhood. He attended school in Castana.

Later on in his life he was married to Tootie Wieling of Danbury, IA. They were blessed with two wonderful daughters Michelle and Kimberly. They made their home outside of Danbury, IA.

Tom drove truck for most of his life. Traveling all over the United States hauling numerous items for several companies. He liked working with the guys hauling asphalt in his previous years the most. Tom also enjoyed his eight grandchildren and one great grandchild, and was looking forward to his second great grandchild.

Tom enjoyed fishing with his friends and also loved to hunt. He took pride in restoring his John Deere tractors. Tom treasured his dog Mater, treating him like one of the family along with his precious horse Cinnamon. Tom’s true pride and joy in his life was his family. He will be remembered for his wonderful stories and as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Tom is survived by his wife Tootie Willson of Danbury, IA; children Michelle (Andy) Ortner of Danbury, IA and Kimberly Willson (Rick Wanberg) of Denison, IA; grandchildren Danielle of South Sioux City, NE, Joseph, Erica, and Brandon Ortner of Danbury, IA, Chelsea Johnson of Arthur, IA, Emily, Chloe and Abigail Wanberg of Denison, IA; great grandchild Vanessa Mesenbrink of Arthur, IA; brothers Richard (Patty) Willson of Colorado Springs, CO, Raymond (Norma) Willson of Denison, IA, and Mike (Sharon) Willson of Holstein, IA, and numerous extended family and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Walter Thomas, Sr. and Margie Willson; a sister Janice Zobel, and brother-in-law Merrill Zobel; two nephews Scott Zobel and Shawn Willson; and numerous aunts and uncles.