Willard Fleegel, 81
Thief River Falls - Willard Fleegel, 81, died Wednesday, June 14, 2000 at Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls.
Mass of Christian burial was held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls with Father Dennis Wieland officiating. Darlene Votava was the organist, and Shelly Burkel was the cantor. Harry Fleegel was the reader, and special music was provided by the Resurrection Choir. Gift bearers were Tim Fleegel, Bryan Fleegel, Ryan Anderson and Jared Anderson. Casketbearers were Bob Kraemer, Ed Gilbert, Ralph Hunt, Del Schob, Sam Genereux and Vic Kalinowski. Burial was in St. Bernard's Cemetery in Thief River Falls. Green Funeral Home of Thief River Falls was in charge of the arrangements.
Willard Matthew Fleegel was born on July 19, 1918 at Virginia, the son of Joseph and Mary (Reller) Fleegel. He was baptized into the Catholic faith at Virginia and at the age of one, moved with his parents to a farm in Mayhew Lake township of Benton county. He was confirmed and received his First Holy Communion at Annunciation Catholic Church in Mayhew Lake. He attended a rural school in District 25 in Benton county. In 1939, he moved to Thief River Falls where he worked for City Dairy.
On September 28, 1940, he was united in marriage to Kathryn Theresa Heltemes, the daughter of John and Rose Heltemes, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids. The couple lived in Thief River Falls for several years before Willard did defense work in California during World War II. In 1946, they moved back to Thief River Falls where he found employment as a salesman for Lind Motor Supply. In 1966, he purchased and operated Bill's Auto Supply, a wholesale automotive supply company. He retired in 1980.
Willard was a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church where he served as the head usher for many years and worked with the Stephen Ministry. He also initiated a volunteer group for lawn care at St. Bernard's Church and school grounds. He was also a member of the Elks, Eagles, Golden Pioneers and a charter member of the Knights of Columbus.
He enjoyed traveling, dancing, playing cards and especially spending time with family and friends.
Willard is survived by his wife, Kathryn; one son, Robert (Suzanne) of Bird Island; one daughter, Rebecca (James) Anderson of Aurora, Colo.; and six grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Willard (Billy) Jr. in 1960; two brothers, Harold and Merrill; and one sister, Arlene. A00003B2000JN21