Stanley C. Willms

Stanley C. Willms

Olympia, WA

Stanley “Stan” Willms, 75, of Olympia, WA, passed away peacefully at home on July 12, 2025, surrounded by his wife Joyce, daughter Michele, son Shane, and granddaughters Aliyah and Amanda. In his final days, he found comfort looking out the window at the view of Mt. Rainier, Budd Inlet, and the Capitol.

Born May 29, 1950, in Monticello, IA, Stan attended Monticello schools after beginning in a one-room country school. He began his career with Georgia Pacific in 1968, transferring to Olympia in 1983, and retired in 2022. In retirement, he managed the American Legion in Tumwater, assisted in his wife’s business, and co-managed JBW Investment Properties.

Stan married his beloved wife, Joyce (Brown) Willms, in 1970, and together they shared 55 years of marriage filled with love, family, and laughter. He was a devoted husband, father, and “Super Papa” to his grandchildren and their friends—always present for school pickups, sports events, and ice cream outings. He loved family vacations, birthdays, holidays, and cheering on the kids in all their adventures.

Stan volunteered with the Medical Equipment Bank, was a blood donor for over 50 years, and was honored with the Governor’s Life Saving Award. He was also a past volunteer with the Boy Scouts, and during his employment with Georgia Pacific, Stan served as a representative for United Way.

Stan is survived by his wife Joyce Brown Willms, Olympia, WA, daughter Michele Willms, Tumwater, WA, and Shane (Jennifer), Vero Beach, FL; granddaughters Amanda Willms of Seattle; Ailyah Willms, Portland, OR, and Hunter (Missy) Pietila of Marysville, W. Stan is also survived by Marilyn (John) Heiken, Sharon Connelly, and Lorie (Jeff) Hines, Carl (Mary Anne) Willms, brothers-in-law Pete Ponder, Harry (Nancy) Brown, Russ (Pat) Brown, Jeff (Julie) Brown sister-in-law Cathy Brown; a special friend Bill Edwards; many nieces and nephews.

Stan was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Esther Willms; sisters Janice Ponder; Joyce and Albert Hanson (brother-in-law), Tim Connelly (brother-in-law); mother-in-law Lois Brown; father-in-law Rolland Brown; brothers-in-law Bill and Robert (Bob) Brown.

In Honor of Stan

In recognition of Stan’s deep love for Iowa and the Hawkeyes, guests are welcome to wear Iowa attire to the funeral services as a tribute to him.

A funeral service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church,18927 IA-38, Monticello, IA 52310, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., with burial at Oakwood Cemetery, Oakwood Cemetery, Hwy. 38, Monticello, IA 52310.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Stan with donations to the Medical Equipment Bank, P.O. Box 7624, Olympia, WA 98507.