Ohde, Willard L.

Willard L. Ohde, 92, died Monday, Feb. 27, 2012, at the Keystone Care Center in Keystone following an extended illness. Public graveside services will be held 9 a.m. Thursday, March 1, at the Keystone Cemetery, with Pastor Norman Bennett officiating. Graveside military rites will be conducted by Merkel-Bockholt American Legion Post 107 of Keystone.

Willard was born Dec. 28,1919, in Homer Township near Keystone, to John P. and Laura (Bockholt) Ohde. On Dec. 5, 1945, he was united in marriage to Mildred A. Stein at a Presbyterian Church in Waterloo.

During World War II, he served his nation in the U.S. Army as a sergeant in a tank battalion. He was a member of Merkel-Bockholt American Legion Post 107 of Keystone. Willard was also a member of Elberon United Methodist Church in Elberon. Willard farmed in Benton County after his military service up until his retirement.

He is survived by his wife, Millie of Keystone; his sons, Bill (Julie) Ohde of Wapello, Jay (LuAnn) Ohde of Dysart and Jon (Karen) Ohde of Tulsa, Okla.; his grandchildren, Shawn, Chris, Rochelle, Heidi, Heath, Nick and Jane; and his great-grandchildren, Kyle, Kristiana, Luke and Jared.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Wayne and Keith Ohde; and his sister, Marj Werning.

Phillips Funeral Home in Keystone is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be left at www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com

Published Feb. 29, 2012 in The Gazette