In loving memory of

Willis Robert Schlegel
February 3, 1934 - March 27, 2019

Willis R. Schlegel, 85 year old resident of Harding, MN died Wednesday, March 27 at his home in Harding. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Harding. Father David Maciej will officiate and burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 8:00 P.M. Monday, April 1, 2019 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Harding and again from 9:00 A.M. until the start of the service on Tuesday at church. The rosary will be prayed at 4:30 P.M. on Monday evening at the church followed by Parish Prayers at 7:00 P.M.

Willis was born February 3, 1934 to Christ and Barbra (Meyer) Schlegel in Little Falls. The family moved to the Harding area when Willis was 2 years old. He attended school in Harding. He farmed with his family following the death of his dad. He was united in marriage to Luella Motschke on September 28, 1963 in Buckman, She was the love of his life. Together the couple operated the farm in Pulaski Township. He also worked for 53 years for Burlington Northern Railroad. He often would drive to work with his lifelong child hood friend Butch Smude. They put the T in team and also in trouble. Together they were known for their hard work ethic, but also their shenanigans. Willis became a care giver for his wife until her passing. The focus of his love then became his granddaughters. Willis was an active member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and the President of the Holy Name Society at the parish. He also was a 50-year member of the Knights of Columbus. Willis had a great sense of humor and always looked forward to spending time with his family and friends. He had a big heart and always had time to share with others; never missing a funeral, wedding or community event. Willis was truly an example of kindness and generosity; he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Bernie (Rob) Hoffman of Pierz; granddaughters Katie Macy of Pierz; brother, Earl (Betty) Schlegel of Farmington; brother in laws, Leander Motschke, Matthew Motschek, both of Little Falls; sisters in law, Dorthy Theilen of Pierz, Betty (Mark) Brenny of Waite Park, Janet Schlegel of Eagan. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Luella; brothers, Herb, Charles, Jim, Joe; and sister, Mary Jean.

Tributes

Douglas MacArthur wrote on Apr 2, 2019:

"Condolences to the family of Willis Schlegel. I never met Willis, but I sold him cob corn about 45 years ago when I was on my farm at Holdingford. Willis never came out to see the corn I had for sale but I assured him it was good corn , dry, and no mold.He sent a young man out to haul it as he needed it and I sent the weight ticket back with the driver and when he came for the next load, he gave a check for the previos load. I still remember the name on the check and the truck was a straight job with a long wooden box.When the last load left I knew I would find out how honest the stranger was and a couple days later the check arrived in the mail. I sold corn on the "honor system" to a man I never met and both of us kept our word.He left an impression on me so that 45 years later I instantly recognized the name on this website.RIP Willis !"

Cindy Marshik wrote on Apr 2, 2019:

"Bernie, my heart and prayers go out to you and your family. I know how close and special your Dad was to you. May God give you strength and peace in that love now and always. Sending love and hugs..."

Sheryl Korte wrote on Apr 1, 2019:

"Bernie and family,So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. May your memories bring you comfort."

Horst and Janet Hanneken wrote on Mar 31, 2019:

"so sorry for your loss. Willis was a pillar in our community and church. He was the kindest man. He will be missed."

Julie S wrote on Mar 31, 2019:

"I am so sorry for your loss of such a great man! He always had a smile on his face and kind words to say. My thoughts and prayers of strength go out to you all during this time. Willis will be missed by many..."

Expression of Sympathy wrote on Mar 31, 2019:

"A Spathiphyllum was ordered on March 31, 2019"

Bruce & Lyle Krych wrote on Mar 30, 2019:

"Deepest Sympathies To Willis's Family."

Expression of Sympathy wrote on Mar 30, 2019:

"A Spathiphyllum was ordered on March 30, 2019"

Expression of Sympathy wrote on Mar 30, 2019:

"An A Garden Path was sent on March 30, 2019with deepest sympathy, Rose, Gary and Jackie Hoffman"

Rose, Gary and Jackie Hoffman wrote on Mar 30, 2019:

"We are so sad, Willis was a gentle and kind man. He was faithful to all he loved, a wonderful father, father-in-law, and grandpa. A wonderful neighbor and friend too. He will be missed by many - and he will never leave your hearts. You have our deepest sympathy."

Judy and Dennis Voelker wrote on Mar 30, 2019:

"Bernie, Rob and daughters. We loved that Willis and Luella were our neighbors on the farm. Your dad always had time to visit. Enjoyed seeing him so often. Even after moving to Colorado, whenever I was home to visit he made time to talk. Loved seeing him. My condolences and love to your family."

Terry & Sandy Maddsus wrote on Mar 29, 2019:

"Rob,Bernie, Katie,Macy..Terry & I hold you in Our Prayers st this difficult time. OUR HEARTS are heavy with sorrow."

Paul, Cindy, Parker Pulak wrote on Mar 29, 2019:

"Our deepest sympathies"

Jodi Dambowy wrote on Mar 29, 2019:

"What a great man he was. Thoughts and prayers to the family."

Chris, Heidi, Madison and Nathan Schlegel wrote on Mar 29, 2019:

"Bernie, Rob, Katie and Macy, may god bless you. Madison, Nathan and I enjoyed our visit with Willis last fall. It was really great to spend time with him. He will be missed."

Romtelle kurtz wrote on Mar 29, 2019:

"So sorry for for your loss Bernie and family he was a very good person"

Ronnie & Joanne Gross wrote on Mar 29, 2019:

"So very sorry for your loss.He was truly a good man and I know he will missed."

Connie and Joe wrote on Mar 29, 2019:

"Bernie, Rob, Katie and Macy, So sorry to hear that your dad/grandpa passed away. He always seemed to have something good to say whenever we saw him. He'll be missed. "

Randy and Delores Young and family wrote on Mar 28, 2019:

"Bernie, Rob, Katie and Macy,So sorry for your loss. He was such a kind caring man. He will be missed."

Cindy Young wrote on Mar 28, 2019:

"You will be missed Willis"

Ryan Maslowski family wrote on Mar 28, 2019:

"So sorry for you loss Willis was one of the nicest men I have ever met. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family."

Paul and Linda Tatro wrote on Mar 28, 2019:

"We will surely miss Willis. He was such a genuinely caring, concerned and kind man."

Dennis & Dennis Hoffman wrote on Mar 28, 2019:

"Prayers to all of Willis family!"

Gina and Scott Virnig and Family wrote on Mar 28, 2019:

"We are so sorry for your loss. He will be missed ! Willis was a great man !"

Mike & Pearl Wilson wrote on Mar 28, 2019:

"So sorry for your loss!"

Lynn Gadacz wrote on Mar 28, 2019:

"Uncle Willis was such a kind and loyal Man, I am very blessed to have had him in my life and his memories will live on with me forever !"

Vern and Bernice Marshall wrote on Mar 28, 2019:

"So sorry to hear of his passing. One of the nicest guys out there, and he always had something to share."

Anna Young, Chris Doucette and Family wrote on Mar 28, 2019:

"So sorry for your loss. He will dearly be missed"

Ruthann Jensen wrote on Mar 28, 2019:

"So sorry for your loss!! God Bless."

Doris, Chad and Rosabella wrote on Mar 28, 2019:

"Sorry for your loss."