Hebl, Wilfred J. 'Willy'

Wilfred J. “Willy” Hebl, 72, of Iowa City, died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, at Mercy Iowa City, surrounded by his family. A time of gathering for family and friends to remember Willy will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service.

Wilfred Joseph Hebl was born Aug. 30, 1938, in Iowa City, the son of Joseph S. and Kathryn M. (Aubrecht) Hebl. He graduated from University High School (U High) in 1957. Willy enlisted in the Army Reserves after high school. As a lifetime resident of the Iowa City area, he worked for many years as an independent insurance agent.

Willy enjoyed life, his two daughters were his world when they were growing up - he took great pride in raising them as their mom and dad! And as grandchildren came along, he was the Grampa front and center in all their activities, giving each of them his own special nickname!

In high school Willy played in the band “Country Playboys” and this love of music continued throughout his life. Willy also had a gift for writing, one that he enhanced as a member of the Iowa Writers' Workshop.

He enjoyed camping and fishing with his family and friends, playing cards, shooting pool, golfing, and was a regular at the T & M Mini Mart near his home where he could “shoot the bull” with more of his friends.

His family includes his two daughters and their husbands, Elisha and Mike Hamm of Iowa City and Raquel and Max Jones of West Branch; grandchildren, Joey, Katie, Andy, Brenton, Rita, Chandler and Shuwana; great-grandchildren, Rebecca, Shawn and Joel; his mother, Kathryn Hebl of Iowa City; his brother and wife, Paul and Diane Hebl of Iowa City; and a nephew, Todd Hebl.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph; and a grandson, Ron.

A memorial fund has been established in Willy's memory, and online condolences may be sent for his family through the web at