Willett, Walter J.

Walter J. Willett, 99, formerly of Tama, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2011, at Carrington Place of Toledo under the care of Iowa River Hospice. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at Living Faith United Methodist Church in Tama, with Pastor Brian Oliver officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Tama. Memorial visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. until time of service at the church.

Walter was born July 31, 1911, in Tama, Iowa, the son of James and Flora (Baumgartner) Willett. He graduated from Tama High School in 1929. He graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1934. While at the university, Walter was a member of the Iowa Hawkeye basketball team and Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He was an active Iowa Hawkeye football fan, not missing a game except for the war years, until age 98, when he gave up his season tickets.

After graduating in 1934, he came back to Tama to practice law with his father and grandfather and later with his son, John. On Oct. 15, 1936, he was united in marriage to Marie V. Hutchinson, Montezuma, Iowa, whom he had met at the university. His desire was to serve his clients and hometown community in anyway he could.

While practicing in Tama, Walter was county attorney for 28 years, Tama City Attorney, served on the Iowa Bar Tax School for 25 years, president of the Iowa Junior Bar Association and president of the Iowa County Attorneys Association. He was also active in the National District Attorneys Association.

He was active in the community, serving as secretary of the Tama school board for many years, a charter member of the Tama Lions Club, a member of the Tama-Toledo Fraternal Order of Eagles, a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, a member of the Masonic Lodge and recently a member of the Elks Club of Cedar Rapids. Walter was a past member of the Tama-Toledo Country Club and a long time member of the Tama United Methodist Church.

Walter was a benefactor of the Tama Public Library and many community projects, including the South Tama Rec Trail and South Tama High School track.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Marie, of 62 years; a great-great granddaughter, Hayley Miller; and a grandson, Jeff Doran.

Survivors include his children, Mary Ann (John) Doran of McAllen, Texas, John (Sally) Willett of Tama, Jim( Paula) Willett of Cedar Rapids and Richard (Sue) Willett of Garland, Texas; 10 grandchildren, Christine (Doug) Doran Allen of Arlington, Texas, Cindy (Herb) Doran Law of Dennison, Minn., Jacqueline (Phil) Doran Minnici of Arlington, Texas, Mary Beth Doran of Fort Worth, Texas, Ann Willett of Marion, David (Kristen) Willett of Powell, Ohio, Matt (Carole) Willett of Cedar Rapids, Jacob Willett of Cedar Rapids, Brandon (Jewell) Willett of Japan and Jason Willett of Garland, Texas; eight great-grandchildren, Tracy Allen, Michael Allen, Janell O'Leary, Daniel O'Leary, Ella Willett, Alana Willett, Hayley and Gavin Sweetin; and three great-great-grandchildren, Korren and Michael Miller and John O'Leary. Also surviving is his close special friend, Shirley Franklin of Tama.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to The Salvation Army, Western Division, 3612 Cuming St., Omaha, NE 68131; Iowa River Hospice, 502 Plaza Heights Rd., Marshalltown, IA 50158 or a local charity of your choice.