Obit: Anderson, Willard Alvin (1931 - 2022)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Anderson, Bey, Ellis, Conover, Shadrick, Griepentrog, Willner, Erl, Radde

----Source: Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 7/23/2022

Anderson, Willard Alvin (9 August 1931 – 20 July 2022)

Willard Alvin Anderson, 90, of Marshfield, passed from our presence into the glorious arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, July 20th, 2022. He passed peacefully with family by his side and surrounded with love. Though we will miss him here with us, we have hope and assurance that one day we will be reunited with him again for all eternity.

Willard was born August 9th, 1931, the son of Alvin and Helen Anderson. He attended Spencer High School. On June 23rd, 1951, Willard was united in marriage to his best friend, Eunice, in Spencer.

Willard worked at Dairy Belt Cheese & Butter (now known as Land O'Lakes), and from 1959-1973 he was manager at Superior Gas. He worked at Felker Brothers from 1973 until his retirement in 1996. One of his true joys in life was woodworking. He had a God-given talent to make beautiful custom furniture and owned his own business crafting and selling wooden urns after retirement. He also enjoyed gardening and spent many hours each year maintaining his garden and canning/freezing all of the produce with Eunice.

He was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Marshfield. He served on the Board of Evangelism, the Board of Lay Ministry and built many pieces of furniture for the church.

Willard was an incredibly faithful, devoted husband who endlessly provided for his children and their families. He was a man of his word and held his convictions with dignity. He was outgoing, friendly, caring, loving, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Willard consistently led his family in prayer and exemplified faith for us all. He was a disciplined man who knew what it meant to provide and care for his family. He has left us with an incredible example of what a faithful man of God, faithful father, and faithful friend should be. May we all find the grace to remember him well as we live our lives reflecting his example.

Willard is lovingly survived by his children: James (Renn) Anderson of Arpin, Jerry (Carol) Anderson of Spencer, Jane (Duwayne) Bey of Marshfield, Ron (Sandi) Anderson of Marshfield, Mike (Jill) Anderson of Eden Prairie, MN, and Lois (Aaron) Ellis of Marshfield. He is further survived by his grandchildren: Lindsey (Cody) Conover, Aaron Anderson, Craig (Rachel) Anderson, Jenny (Shawn) Shadrick, Nicole Bey, Kim Bey, Glen (Chelsea) Anderson, Tynan (Kate) Anderson, Emma Anderson, Riley Anderson, Evan Ellis, Mya Ellis, Lathan Ellis and 11 great-grandchildren.

Willard was preceded in death by his wife, Eunice; his parents, Alvin and Helen Anderson; and in-laws, Darel and Francis Griepentrog; a sister, Lorraine Willner, a brother-in-law, Norbert Griepentrog; a brother-in-law, Reiny Willner; and a brother-in-law, Bill Ertl.

The family would like to thank Wells Nature View and St. Croix Hospice for their kindness and wonderful care they provided.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Marshfield with the Rev. Donn Radde officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Online condolences may be made at www.hansenschillingfuneralhome.com  for your convenience.

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