Gary WILLETT

WILLETT, HATCHER, BERRYHILL, JEWELL, JOHNSON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 1/2/2015 at 15:11:05

March 28, 1943 --- December 23, 2014

Gary Willett, 71, of Fort Dodge, passed away December 23, 2014 at the Humboldt County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 3, 2015 at the Faith United Methodist Church in Humboldt with the Rev. Christy Ehrle officiating. Interment will be in Indian Mound Cemetery, Humboldt. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Friday, January 2, 2015 at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home in Humboldt.

Gary is survived by his wife of nearly 45 years, Nancy Willett of Fort Dodge; his sons, Kirk (Amanda "J.") Willett of Glen Gardner, NJ and Brett (Larissa) Willett of Shakopee, MN; grandchildren, Jackson and Mitchell Willett and Gabriel and Grant Willett; sisters, Linda Kay Hatcher of Dakota City and Clarys (Mel) Berryhill of Milford; and sister-in-laws, Donna Jewell and Kathy Jewell. His nieces, nephews, and many good friends also survive him. His parents; his infant son, Mark Allen Willett; and his brother-in-law, Jim Jewell preceded him in death.

Gary Willett, the son of Irel and Frances (Johnson) Willett, was born March 28, 1943 at Fort Dodge, Iowa and was raised on the family farm near Gilmore City. He received his education in country schools and Gilmore City graduating from Gilmore City High School in 1961. He attended Iowa State University, graduating with his BS Degree in 1965. Gary began his teaching career in the Maxwell School System teaching high school Ag classes. He then accepted a position at Charles City teaching Social Studies in the junior high and Ag courses and FFA in the high school. He met Nancy Jewell at a New Years Eve dance in 1968 and the couple was united in marriage on December 27, 1969. They made their home in Charles City and Floyd. In 1980, Gary joined the faculty of Iowa Central Community College where he taught adult education. Gary furthered his education by earning his Masters Degree from Iowa State and was appointed to Dean of Adult Education at ICCC.

Gary retired in 2003 and in 2006, was diagnosed with spinal cancer. He fought a courageous battle and remained active during his treatment and recovery managing the ICCC and Fort Dodge Messenger's Ag and Sportsman Show and other Ag related school projects. Gary was a member of the Riverside Methodist Church in Fort Dodge. An avid Cyclone fan, Gary held season tickets and enjoyed attending the games. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and jogging.

December 30, 2014
Fort Dodge Messenger - Fort Dodge, Iowa

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[married Nancy Jewell of Goldfield, Wright County, Iowa]