Richard “Dick” William Willmert, 78, died at his home in Austin Friday, July 10, 2009. He was born Feb. 8, 1931, in Blue Earth, the son of Ole and Dorothy (Hesterman) Willmert. He received his education in St. John’s Parochial School and then attended Austin High School.
Dick served with the Minnesota National Guard at Camp Rucker, Ala., during the Korean Conflict. On June 8, 1952, he was married to Lorraine Langerud at Salem Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. After his military service, Dick worked at Wilson’s in Albert Lea and later Culligan Water in Austin, before owning and operating two Phillips 66 gas stations in Austin. From 1966 to 1985, he was employed by the Geo A. Hormel Co. In 1985, he began working for the Minnesota DOT until his retirement in 1995. He was an active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, serving as usher, on the school board, as trustee and elder. He enjoyed all sports, especially watching his children and grandchildren playing sports and caring for his yard. He was also a member of American Legion Post 91, where he was first vice commander and was in charge of the upcoming Iraq/Afghanistan veterans dinner.
Survivors include his wife, Lorraine Willmert of Austin; six children: Diane (Mike) Gilbert of Rochester, Rick (Julie) Willmert of Cottage Grove, Ruth (Vance) Oelkers, Darlene (Randy) Duholm and Debbie (Mike Marcks) Willmert all of Austin and Rita Seha of Rochester; a daughter-in-law, Margaret “Margi” Willmert of Mankato; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Bryan (Mary) Willmert, Orlo (Jean) Willmert and Justine Willmert, all of Albert Lea; sister-in-law, Barb Willmert of Albert Lea; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons: David and Randy; granddaughter, Heidi Newell; grandson, Raymond Milholland; a great grandson, Carter Newell; and a brother, John Willmert.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church with the Rev. Warren Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow the service at Grandview Cemetery, rural Austin, with military honors by American Legion Post 91. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Worlein Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Casketbearers will be Steven Willmert, Matthew Oelkers, Mark Oelkers, Jesse Duholm, Andrew Willmert, Corey Newell, Darrick Marcks and James Willmert.