Willard Protsman

    Willard "Willy" A. Protsman, age 75, of Lansing died Friday, November 14, 2014 at his home. Per Willy's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral services. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Milty's Restaurant in Lansing.

Willy was born July 25, 1939 in Lansing to Robert and Johanna (Moller) Protsman. He graduated from Lansing High School in 1958 and attended Upper Iowa University. He married Darlene Dee February 24, 1968 in Lansing.

Willard was an Army Veteran from the Vietnam War, serving with the 52nd Combat Aviation Battalion. He enlisted in the Army Reserves Unit Company B 389th Engr Bn (CBT) (HV). He was a member of the VFW Post 5981 and a member of the Mississippi Valley Sportsmen's Club. He was also an active member of the NRA.

Willard worked as a creamery operator in Waukon, foreman at Northern Engraving, laborer for an addition to the power plant, Chief of Police in Lansing, and as a semi-truck driver. He was an outdoor enthusiast who loved to go hunting and fishing with his friends and family. He enjoyed shrimping and going to garage sales in Florida. A competitive game of cards and a challenging puzzle were a part of his weekly retirement routine.

Survivors include his wife, Darlene, of Lansing; his daughters, Erica, of Rockford, IL, and Megan, of Decorah; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Johanna; his brothers, John "Pinky" Protsman and James "Jim" Protsman; and his sisters, Charlotte Clark and Lois Shepard.