Willard Wiegrefe

Willard Wiegrefe, age 89, of Spring Grove, MN, formerly of Eitzen, MN, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at Tweeten Lutheran Healthcare in Spring Grove, MN. Funeral services were held Sunday, December 15 at St. Luke’s United Church of Christ in Eitzen, MN, with Reverend Mark Bengtston officiating. Burial will be in the St. Luke’s Church Cemetery.
Willard was born March 11, 1924. He was an only child of Albert and Anna (Meiners) Weigrefe. He was a lifelong member of St. Luke’s United Church of Christ in Eitzen, MN, where he also served on the church council. He received his education at District 59, known as the McNelly School. He graduated from Caledonia High School in 1942.
Willard and his mother ran the farm after his dad died in 1940; he was 16 when he had to milk cows in the morning before he caught the school bus. He took over the farm right out of high school and ran a successful dairy farm which grew to milking over 100 cows. Willard had many different hired men throughout his years of farming. They found him to be a considerate and understanding employer.
Willard married Alpha Storlie December 1, 1963 at Faith Lutheran Church in Black Hammer, MN. They lived on their farm until 1994, when they retired and moved to Eitzen, MN. After retiring he helped area farmers with their field work.
Alpha passed away December 13, 2009. After her death, Willard moved to Spring Grove’s Assisted Living. Because of failing health, he alternated between Tweeten Lutheran Healthcare and Assisted Living as his condition would permit.
Willard enjoyed dancing, playing cards, watching TV, taking scenic drives in the area and his bulldog, Skippy. He and Alpha took trips to Texas, Arizona and Alaska.
Roble Funeral Home of Spring Grove, MN is assisting the family with arrangements.