In Memory of Melvin Dean William Willer

Melvin Dean William Willer, age 79, of Battle Creek, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at his residence in Battle Creek, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, May 2, 2014 at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. The Reverend Randy D. Cormeny will officiate. Burial will follow at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Battle Creek, Iowa with Military Rites conducted by the Maple Valley Post No. 364 of the American Legion. Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at the Christensen – Van Houten Funeral Home in Ida Grove, Iowa. The Christensen ~ Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove and Battle Creek, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com

Melvin Dean William Willer was born on September 24^th 1934 to Henry and LaVerne (Moeller) Willer in the home of William P. Moeller (his grandparents) in Kiron, Iowa.

Melvin was baptized and confirmed at the Evangelical and Reformed Church in Schleswig, Iowa. He attended rural school in the Schleswig and Battle Creek area and attended Battle Creek High School until his sophomore year.

Melvin worked on the farm until October 15^th 1954, when he entered the Armed Services. He was assigned to Basic Training in Fort Bliss, Texas.  He returned two months later to marry Donna Lou Fouts on January 30^th 1955 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Battle Creek, Iowa. The couple returned to Fort Bliss and made their home there until April 1^st 1955 when Melvin was sent overseas to Germany for active duty until October 17^th 1956.  Melvin returned home to work with his father-in-law Orlan Fouts, hauling grain and livestock. In March 1957 Melvin began working for Hultgren’s Implement in Ida Grove, Iowa. He worked in the setup department, service department and was a full time truck driver. Melvin was employed at Hultgren’s for 42 years, until he retired on October 30^th 1999.

Melvin and Donna were blessed with two children, a daughter Ronda and a son Rick.

He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Battle Creek and worked in finance and served as an usher. Melvin was a member of the American Legion Post # 364 for 38 years.

Melvin enjoyed all of the sports activities of his three granddaughters, which was the enjoyment of his retirement years, never missing a game. He never turned down a game of cards, Bingo, or a day with his grandchildren and great grand-daughter.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Ronda (Matt) Grell of Ida Grove; son, Rick (Deb) Willer of Schaller; three grand-daughters, Angie Willer (fiancee Jeff Lussman) of Storm Lake; Erica (Nick) Fassler of Alta; Becky (Ryan) Wuebker of Galva; great grand-daughter, Olivia Fassler of Alta; brother, Ronald (Janette) Willer of Schaller; brother-in-law, Gerald Miller of Battle Creek; many nieces and nephews and friends.

Melvin was preceded in death by his beloved wife Donna of 46 years, parents, Henry and LaVerne Willer; parents-in-laws, Orlan and Fern Fouts; brother-in-law, Ronald Fouts; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William P. Moeller; step-mother, Marie Willer; and a sister-in-law, Doris Miller.