Dick is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jeanne Willis of Hanska; children, Richard Willis Jr. of Mankato, Joan (Shawn) Stanford of North Mankato, Krista (Kelly) Krzmarzick of New Ulm, and Ben (Melissa) Willis of Dekalb, IL; grandchildren, Amanda Reinarts, Brody Wenner, Kyler Krzmarzick, Oscar Willis, and Eddie Willis; great-grandson, Wyatt Reinarts; brother, Alfred Willis of Lacona, IA; mother-in-law, LaVerne (Ernie) Williams of Sun City West, AZ; brothers-in-law, James Nundahl and Randy Nundahl; dog, Maggie; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Jeremy Reinarts; brother and sister-in-law, Robert (Vivian) Willis; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Bell (Harold) Schneider, Elaine (Lane) Miller; sister-in-law, Allyson Nundahl.

Richard Dean Willis was born August 17, 1934 in Lacona, IA to James and Mary (Park) Willis. Dick was raised on a family farm in southern Iowa, a place he always cherished. He graduated from high school in 1952 and, in his younger years, spent two summers working in a lumber mill in Washington State. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956, stationed in Okinawa during peacetime, and was honorably discharged. Following his service, Dick attended the University of Iowa for two years, remaining a lifelong and passionate Hawkeyes fan–always cheering them on, especially during the NCAA Tournament. Dick held various sales positions with Skelly Oil Company, Lampert Building Center, and McCrabb Manufacturing. He later spent 16 years with Kraft Foods before retiring. He continued working in retirement, managing an apartment complex in Hanska, where he remained actively involved in the community. Dick served as both a city councilman and mayor of Hanska, roles he truly enjoyed and took great pride in. Dick valued civic engagement and was always well-informed, particularly when it came to sports, history and politics–topics he loved discussing, especially with his brother Al. Dick married Mary Pearl Cole in Dubuque, Iowa, and together they had two children. In 1983, he married Jeanne Nundahl in Hanska. They had two children, whom together they raised in Hanska. He will be remembered for his storytelling, his great sense of humor, and the many jokes he told. Dick found immense joy in attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. He also enjoyed gardening, traveling, and especially being near the Pacific Ocean. Despite his travels, time spent back at the family farm in Iowa remained close to his heart.

Dick was a kind and humble man–someone who valued knowledge, conversation, and connection. His steady presence, sharp mind, and warm spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Blessed be his memory.

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