Duane Braden WILLARD

WILLARD, GILBERTSON, CAPSEL, CLEVELAND, WRAY, SANDKAMP, LONG

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 3/15/2009 at 10:04:56

March 15, 2009
Fort Dodge Messenger, Iowa

DUANE “POKEY” WILLARD

THOR - Duane Braden Willard, the son of Braden and Mildred (Gilbertson) Willard, was born January 22, 1929, in Eagle Grove where he was raised and educated. Duane served with the United States Army during WWII from 1946 to 1948 when he was honorably discharged. On December 19, 1948, Duane was united in marriage with Betty Capsel in Eagle Grove. After their marriage, they lived in Eagle Grove for 7 years before moving to Thor. Duane worked for Hormel for 32 years retiring in 1983. He was a member of Ullensvang Lutheran Church in Thor and the Local Union P31 UFCW. Duane enjoyed camping, riding motorcycles, mowing, plowing snow and spending time with his grandchildren.

Duane passed away Friday, March 13, 2009, at his home in Thor, at the age of 80 years. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Brian Duane Willard; one brother, Lewis Willard and three sisters, Francis Cleveland, Bernice Wray and Maxene Willard. Survivors include his wife, Betty Willard of Thor; daughter, Lisa Sandkamp and husband Drew of Thor; son, Brad Willard and wife Christi of Thor; grandchildren: April Long of Humboldt, Jessica Sandkamp of Mesa, AZ, Jared Willard of Fort Dodge; great-grandsons, Jareth and Fenix Long and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. from the Ullensvang Lutheran Church in Thor with Pastors Chris Lang and Darryl Landsverk officiating. Visitation is Monday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Foust Funeral Home in Eagle Grove. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Eagle Grove. Memorials will be left to the discretion of the family.