Willard Ommen

Willard F. Ommen, age 93, of Alexandria, formerly of Villard died on Friday, August 8, 2014. Funeral service will be held on Monday, August 11, 2014, 2:30 PM at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Burial will be at Lake Leven Cemetery Villard. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 10, 2014, 5-7 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Willard Folkert Ommen, the son of Henry and Florence (Basche), was born September 23, 1920, on the family farm near Fulda, in Nobles county, Minnesota. He grew up on the farm and attended Bloom Township Country School. On October 17, 1943, he was united in marriage to Artie VanderBrink at Pfingston Immanuel Lutheran Church, near Fulda. They spent most of their years farming; in the early years, near Fulda, but the majority near Westport, Minnesota. Willard loved to share stories of other jobs he worked. For a few years they ran a restaurant in Slayton, Minnesota, he drove school bus, operated a forklift in a factory in California, and worked as a carpenter. Willard was proud to be able to work with Artie in the garden, helping her with housework, and doing what he could to help out at Arabella Manor, where they lived since they sold their home. Willard made great memories hunting and fishing, especially the trips with Al. The last trip was within the last four years and he shot his last buck while he was late in his 80s. Last winter, he still competed with the Zion Lutheran dartball league. He had a competitive nature and was proud to share his accomplishments. He loved attending any of the grandchildrens’ activities. Retirement gave him a chance to pursue hobbies which included gardening, refinishing furniture, woodcarving, playing cards, and even learned to play the Wii. He was a Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan – if they were winning. Willard died on August 8, 2014, he is survived by his wife of 70 years, Artie, his daughters, Judy and husband Alan Nelson of St Cloud, Cindy Hoium of Villard, 5 grandchildren, Bryan (Lori) Nelson, Charise (Brian) Schutz, Brett (Sam) Hoium, Derek Hoium and Kyle Hoium, 5 great grandchildren, sister, Frances Paulsen of Mankato, MN, step brother, Ed Paulsen and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Lonnie Hoium, his parents and stepmother, brothers Henry, Andrew, Walter, Theodore and Jacob, sisters Gertrude, Henrietta, Esther and Anna, step brothers William, John, and step sisters Esther, Irene and Anne. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, August 11, 2014, 2:30 PM at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Burial will be at Lake Leven Cemetery rural Villard, Minnesota. Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home.

Willard Ommen

September 23, 1920 - August 8, 2014