Willis W. Poeschel, age 95 of Durand, died Sunday, April 27, 2014 at his home in Durand with his daughter by his side.

Willis was born on July 2, 1918 at home in the Town of Lima. He was the son of Michael and Mary (Zeilinger) Poeschel. Willis grew up in the Lima area and attended Sacred Heart School in Lima. Willis worked on several farms before buying his own farm on Hwy 10 in the Town of Lima. He married Margaret Brunner on June 17, 1942 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima. After marriage they continued farming in the Town of Durand until retiring in 1994 when they sold the farm. They moved into the City of Durand in 1994 where he remained the rest of his life.

Willis enjoyed playing cards, going to the casino and cutting wood. He served on the Durand Town Board for 12 years, Tarrant Creamery Board for 10 years and was a Pepin County Mutual Insurance sales representative.

Willis is survived by his daughter; Judy Smith of Durand, one adopted missionary son in India; Fr. Abel, one granddaughter; Kasandra Caradine of Oronoco, MN, three great grandchildren, one great great grandson, one sister; Mary Risler of Mondovi, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife; Margaret, two brothers; Clarence and Hubert.

Funeral Services will be 11:30 AM Thursday, May 1, 2014 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima in Durand. Rev. Raj Arockiam will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Sandy Swain June 28, 2014, at 9:21pm

   Dear Judy, We just found out that Willis passed away. We are so privileged to have known him. He was a very special man. I loved the stories, his great sense of humor and especially playing cards with him. In sympathy, Sandy and Don Swain

2. Rose June 12, 2014, at 10:55pm

   I just wanted to say what a lovely couple your Dad and Mom were. I sat next to them on a plane when we were on a family vacation many years ago. I have never forgotten them. They were so nice. They sent me the name of the doctor they were going to as my Mother had just been diagnosed with macular degeneration. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

3. Dick & Jan Bates May 1, 2014, at 4:19pm

   Family of Willis:
   Willis was a good man. I worked at the bank for many years and used to see him in there regularly. Always a kind word and a smile. I will miss him.

   Dick & Jan Bates

4. Barb Chopp May 1, 2014, at 11:50am

   I had the pleasure of meeting Willis while visiting my parents in Durand. I enjoyed the stories Willis told me about growing up and being with his brother and loving his family. He told me that family and friends are the foundation of life. Willis will be missed by many, but my family will miss him a lot, they became close friends by being neighbors. And I will miss his BIG smile that he always hade for me when I would bring him some homemade pie on the holidays. God has a real good man in heaven with him.

5. Bernadette Oldon April 30, 2014, at 6:26pm

   Judy. Just heard about your father's death. Our parents were such good friends so they are all together now. My sympathy to you & your family

6. Margo Poeschel Peterson April 29, 2014, at 7:20am

   Willis was my favorite uncle. His sense of humor will be what I remember most about him. He will be truly missed!

7. Annette Marie Anibas Poeschel April 28, 2014, at 7:42pm

   Uncle Willis was always a great Uncle and friend to me and my sons Anthony Hubert and Aaron Thomas. We send our condolences to family & friends. Love and
   prayers - Annie Tony Tom family.

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