Willard Holien

Willard Holien

 

 

Willard Holien, 89, Ossian, Iowa died Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at Ossian Senior Hospice, Ossian, Iowa.

He was born July 23, 1924 to Esther Holien on the Holien family farm in Springfield Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith and confirmed at Ossian Lutheran Church. He attended Country School in Winneshiek County through the 8th grade.

After finishing school, Willard milked cows on his Uncle Seval's farm. In 1945, he started working for Clair Reilly as a machine operator.

On June 24, 1953, Willard was united in marriage with Arletta Heins at the Lutheran Parsonage in McGregor, Iowa.  To this union seven children were born. 

Willard worked for Reilly Construction as a machine operator, project foreman, and shop foreman. Willard retired in 2009 after working for the company for more than 60 years. He was proud to be Reilly’s first employee.

Willard was a member of the Ossian Lutheran Church and served on the church council. He was also a member of Silver Springs Golf and Country Club in Ossian. Willard enjoyed morning coffee at Bambino’s, bowling, fishing, traveling, watching college sports, the Chicago Cubs and the Green Bay Packers.

Willard is survived by his seven children, David (Vicky) Holien of Parker, Colorado; Denis (Margie) Holien of Ossian; Kathy (Dick) Munoz of Des Moines; Kris (David) Berton of Morrison, Colorado; Dan (Sheryl) Holien of Ossian; Darryl (Pam) Holien of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota; and Daren (Kristi Sue) Holien of Calmar; thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren; sister-in-law Joyce Heins, Postville, and brother- and sister-in-law Fred and Rose Heins, Cedar Falls.

Willard was preceded in death by his wife, Arletta; his mother, Esther Schroeder; his step-father, Eddie Schroeder; his mother and father-in-law, Harlen and Martha Heins, and his brother-in-law, Hilery Heins.

Visitation will be Friday, July 11, 2014 from 3-7 pm at Ossian Lutheran Church, Ossian, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Saturday.

Funeral Services will be at 11 am on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at Ossian Lutheran Church, Ossian, Iowa with Rev. Dave Lenth as the Officiant.

Burial will follow at the Hillside Cemetery, Ossian, Iowa.

Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Ossian, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.                   28u28

 

 

 

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