Willard Graese

Willard Erwin Graese, Mondovi, passed to his eternal home on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, at the age of 84, after losing his long battle with cancer.
Willard was born on the family farm, in Kirchayn, Wis., on Nov. 17, 1932, the second of four children born to Albert and Elsie (Hardt) Graese.
Willard was baptized and confirmed in his faith at David Star Lutheran Church. He attended David Star Evangelical Lutheran School. With the passing of his father, he had to quit school and work outside the family farm to help take care of his mother and the family.
In Willard’s late teen years, at the age of 17, he contracted Infantile Paralysis (Polio). He was paralyzed from the chest down, measured for an iron lung, and never was expected to walk again. Due to a miracle from God, he recovered with some damage to his lungs, stomach muscles and leg muscles.
A few years after his recovery, Willard bought and operated two fuel delivery trucks for Tri-Par Oil Company in Cedarburg.
On June 22, 1957, he was united in marriage to Ruth Baumgart at David Star Evangelical Lutheran Church. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Kathryn, Roger and Randall.
In May of 1959, Willard purchased the Mileage Service Station in Mondovi, from Ole Evenson. Willard, Ruth and daughter Kathryn (6 months old), along with the two fuel trucks, moved from Cedarburg, to Mondovi. Pastor and Mrs. Hemer from Trinity Lutheran Church (now Zion), which was just across the street from the Mileage Station, welcomed them with open arms to Mondovi. Willard owned and operated the Mileage Station and started his own fuel route, employing many high school students. Along with the station and fuel route, he sold Christmas trees for many years, donating two of the biggest, most beautiful trees to the church. During the 1960s, Willard joined the Mondovi Businessmens Association, of which he became president. With the help of Don Wiseman, they were instrumental in bringing a hospital to Mondovi, they implemented bicycle inspections for the children to keep them safe when riding their bikes, among many other acts helping out small town businesses. Willard enjoyed being a part of the Businessmens pancake breakfasts to raise money for Mondovi. He also played Santa Claus during the Christmas season.
Willard later purchased rights to a trucking company, which grew from one truck to a fleet of more than 20 trucks. He started hauling livestock and added seed corn for Jacques Seed Company, Prescott. He hauled the seed corn from the fields at harvest time and to the seed dealers during the winter and spring. Willard also hauled hay and grain for many of the local farmers. His semi trucking took him to many states, including Canada. After selling most of his trucks, he was down to one and spent the last six years hauling for Walmart on a dedicated route. In 2001, he was forced into retirement due to the deterioration of his muscles called Post-Polio Syndrome.
Willard was a loving husband and father, who took great pride in his family and all of his accomplishments. He will be missed.
WCFW 105.7 FM has lost a faithful, longtime listener from 5:30 to 8:00 a.m. every morning. Willard loved the old-time polkas.
A special thank you to the Mondovi Ambulance Service for taking such good care of Willard, to Mayo Hospice Care Team Members; Brenda, Amanda, Matty and Nancy, who assured us we were not alone, and to Pastor Paul Bittner for his special visit and words of comfort.
Willard is survived by his loving wife Ruth of almost 60 years; daughter, Kathryn (Norman Bauer, deceased); sons, Roger (at home) and Randall (Gail); brother-in-law, Erwin Schmid; niece, Debra (Mike Ladwig), along with many other nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Elsie Graese; parents-in-law, Fred and Ann Baumgart; dear sister, Betty (1-4-17); two brothers, Elroy and Marvin Graese.
A memorial service celebrating Willard’s life was held at Zion Lutheran Church, Mondovi, on Saturday March 11, at noon, with Pastor Paul Woebbking officiating.
Talbot Family Funeral Homes – Mondovi Chapel assisted the family. Please share your memories and condolences at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com.