Kenneth Paul Willey

KENNETH PAUL WILLEY was born on May 23, 1928 to Floyd Thomas and Cecelia Henderson (Ellsworth) Willey in Sacramento, California. He moved as an infant with his family to Pipestone, Minnesota where he was raised and attended school, graduating from Pipestone High School in 1946. He was united in marriage on September 3, 1950 to Jylan Ruth Nason Hamer at the First Presbyterian Church in Pipestone. In November of 1953, Ken was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed for a time in Okinawa, Japan. He was honorably discharged in October of 1955. During his working years Ken worked for Okeh Cleaners, Robson Grocery Store, Hyde Oil, Christensen farm, on the school patrol, and as a farmer. In 2003 he formally retired. In November of 2010, Jylan passed away and in 2013, Ken moved into the Good Samaritan Communities of Pipestone where he resided until his death on Monday, July 4, 2016 at the age of 88 years, one month, and 11 days.

Ken was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Pipestone where he served as a deacon. He was a past member of the American Legion and the International Order of Odd Fellows. He enjoyed playing cards, pool, watching the Twins and Vikings play, going to the lake, watching John Wayne movies, and reading Louis L’Amour books.

Ken is lovingly remembered by his children, Gayl (James) Thode of Pipestone, Mary Willey of Madison, South Dakota, Ruth (Rodney) Staeffler of Ruthton, Minnesota, John (Sara) Willey of Jackson, Minnesota, and Jana Willey of Pipestone; very special members of his family, G.L. (Deb) Tucker of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; 13 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Cathy Hamer of Canandaigue, New York; several nephews; and one niece.

Ken was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Jylan; children, Karlene Kay, Kenneth Paul, and Alan Paul; his parents, Floyd and Cecelia Willey; and one sister, Barbara Stoltenberg.