Dwight Willey, 91

Feb. 11, 1927 —
Jan. 24, 2019
 
RICEVILLE - Dwight Orrin Willey, age 91, of Riceville, Iowa passed away on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019 in Riceville after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family. 
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 28 at First United Congregational Church of Christ in Riceville, followed by burial in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of services on Monday at the church. Lindstrom Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Dwight was born on Feb. 11, 1927 in Livermore, Iowa to Clarence and Hazel (Peterson) Willey. He graduated from high school at LuVerne, Iowa and began farming with his family. He entered the Army in May 1946 and served his country until October 1947. After leaving the military, he married Ruth Ardith Knuths on Oct. 10, 1948 at First Congregational Church at Rowan, Iowa. 
Dwight farmed in the Rowan area until 1954, at which time he moved to Riceville and began farming, along with working a dairy operation. In addition to farming, he spent many years measuring government acres. Due to health issues, he retired from active farming in 1968 and began selling Farm Bureau Insurance. In 1972 he welcomed retirement and actively enjoyed life and traveling.
After retirement, he and Ruth became snowbirds, wintering in Florida and Texas and for the last 20 years, in Mesa, Ariz. 
Dwight was an active member of First United Church of Christ of Riceville, serving on many committees and holding several offices. He was also active in 4-H, serving as a co-leader and as a member of the Howard County Council for several years. 
Dwight’s many loves were farming and discussing crops or the lack of crops, wood working, playing cards, square dancing and enjoying his kids, grandchildren and great-grandchild.
Dwight would like everyone to know: It’s been a great journey. There have been ups and downs, but I’ve had a great life. Want to thank everyone for enjoying the journey with me.
Dwight is survived by his loving wife, Ruth; his children, Cheryl (Bill) Williams of Houston, Texas, Brian (Bonnie) Willey of Ankeny, Iowa and Sharon McKinley of Rollingstone, Minn.; grandchildren, Mandy (Paul) Espey, Ashleigh Williams, Joshua Williams, Katrina Williams, Michelle McKinley, Jacob Williams and Cassie McKinley; a great-grandchild, Will Espey; and his sister, Rosemary Newman of Albia, Iowa.
Dwight was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Ralph Willey and Floyd Willey; a sister, Buelah Willey; and son-in-law, Dan McKinley.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Riceville Welcome Center 110 East Main St., Riceville, IA 50466 in memory of Dwight Willey.
 

Cresco Times

Phone: 563-547-3601
Fax: 563-547-4602

Address:
Cresco TPD
214 N. Elm Street
Cresco, IA 52136

Sign Up For Breaking News

Stay informed on our latest news!

Manage my subscriptions

Subscribe to Breaking News feed