James E Willard
James E. Willard, age 75 of Menomonie, died Friday, January 7, 2011 at his home in Menomonie with family by his side.
Jim was born March 6, 1935 in West Plains, MO. He was the son of John and Lillith (Tillman) Willard. Jim grew up in the West Plains area and graduated from West Plains High School. He entered the Military in1954, eventually serving in every branch before being honorably discharged in 1971. His last assignment was as a flight surgeon in the Air Force at Duluth Air Force Base. After the military, Jim moved to Menomonie and joined what is now the Red Cedar Medical Center where he practiced medicine for 20 years. Jim met his wife, Ruth Krueger-Prause in 1979.
As a pastime, Jim loved camping and canoeing, especially on the Brule River. He enjoyed introducing friends and relatives to Brule experience. In his career, Jim’s calm demeanor, kindness and empathy for every patient was evidence of his love of medicine.
Jim is survived by his wife Ruth, five children, Carl (Judy Polasky) Willard of Hudson, Ranae (John) Walter of Menomonie, Wanda (Monte) Grondahl of Gig Harbor, WA, Rhonda (Robert) Iverson of Beldenville and Terri Justin Klatt (fiancé Joe Davis) of Cutler, ME, 7 grandchildren, Ryan, Codie, Justin, Tristin, Jake, Sam and Cadie, one great grandson, Liam, three brothers, Herb (Pat) of St. Louis, MO, Ralph of Dallas, TX and Elbert of Lebanon, MO, four sisters, Ethel Willard of Anderson, IN, Lola (Bob) Bixler of Victorville, CA, Mary (Bob) Downing of Fountain City, SC and Etta Johnston of West Plains, MO, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and one son, Ken Willard.
A time of gathering will be held from 2-5 PM January 15, 2011 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Menomonie is serving the family.