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Willard ‘Bill’ Schuette Obituary – 10/8/09


Willard A. “Bill” Schuette, age 75, of Watertown, died Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009, at his home.

Willard was born Dec. 26, 1933, in Mayer, the son of Fred and Elizabeth (Hoof) Schuette.He was baptized Dec. 26, 1933, at the farm home by the Rev. F.W. Erthal, and confirmed March 30, 1947, at Zion Lutheran Church in Mayer by the Rev. Elmer Schwandt.

Bill attended Zion Lutheran School in Mayer.

He served in the Army as a corporal. For two years, from 1953-1955, Bill was part of the 1st Infantry Division stationed in Germany.

Willard was united in marriage to Beverly J. Zabel Aug.15, 1953, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Montrose by the Rev. Marvin Hanke.

Willard worked 37 years as a manufacturing engineer at Washington Scientific Industries near Long Lake. After retirement, Bill had a clock repair business known as Crow River Clocks.

A loving husband, dad, and grandpa, Willard enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

He had many hobbies and interests over the years; some of which were hunting, fishing, woodworking, photography, antique fire trucks and cars.

Willard loved traveling with Beverly and friends and visiting the local people in their travels.

His pursuit to try new challenges led him to successfully complete a solo flight in his ultra-light airplane June 20 of this year, at the age of 75.

Willard served on many boards and committees at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and school in Watertown. He gladly shared his expertise and skill in the maintenance or repair of anything mechanical and structural.

Willard was preceded in death by his father and mother, Fred and Elizabeth Schuette; brother Curtis Schuette; father-in-law and mother-in-law Edmund and Irene Zabel; and sister-in-law Lorraine Drusch.

He is survived by his loving family; wife Beverly; sons and daughters-in-law Ralph and Christine Schuette of Parker, CO, Gail and LuAnn Schuette, Brian and Jane Schuette, all of Watertown, and Scott and Kathy Schuette of Rogers; grandchildren Brittany and Nikki Schuette, Rachel and Jason Eide, Daniel Schuette and special friend Kahli Hoppe, Michael Schuette, Eric Schuette and special friend Kristin Nowak, Greg Schuette, Jacquelyn Schuette, Kimberly, Amy, Ryan, Nathaniel, Kaylan, and David Schuette; and he awaited the birth of a great-granddaughter.

Willard is further survived by brother and sister-in-law Norville and Rosella Schuette of Hopkins; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Harvey Drusch of Howard Lake, Joel and Linda Zabel of Delano; nieces; nephews; and other relatives and friends.

The funeral service was Sunday, Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Watertown with the Rev. Paul Krentz officiating. Visitation preceded the service beginning at noon in the church’s fireside room. Interment was in the Watertown Community Cemetery in Watertown., with military graveside services provided by the Watertown American Legion Post 124.

Casket bearers were Willard’s grandchildren: Brittany, Nikki, Jacquelyn, Rachel, Daniel, Michael, Eric, and Greg.

Arrangements were handled by the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia; online condolences may be directed to www.johnsonfh.com

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