In lieu of flowers, Willard’s family requests memorials to the Graettinger-Terril School Foundation or Pheasants Forever.
Willard Ronald Herke, son of William and Kathryn (Lammers) Herke, was born in Osgood, Iowa on December 19, 1937. He passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Avera Holy Family Hospital in Estherville, at the age of 87 years.
Willard graduated from Graettinger High School. On August 3, 1958, he was united in marriage to Joan Schnell in Terril, Iowa. The couple made their home east of Graettinger, where they farmed and raised livestock. Willard and Joan owned and operated the Kountry Wood Hut for 20 years. The couple wintered in Mission, Texas for many years.
He was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church in Graettinger. He was an active community member; serving on various boards including: the Graettinger Business Club, Palo Alto County Pork Producers, and the Farmer’s Cooperative Elevator. Willard spent many days golfing at the Hillcrest Golf Course and working in his wood shop creating many projects. He also enjoyed fishing. In 2015, Joan and Willard served as Grand Marshals for the Graettinger Labor Day Parade.
Willard is survived by his children Scott Herke of Graettinger, Mick (Jan) Herke of Ankeny, and Kurt (Steve Kampa) Herke of St. Paul, Minnesota; and his five grandchildren Marshall Whitney, Morgan Whitney, Jack Herke-Dennert, Eric Herke, and Aether Herke. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Herke; and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
Willard is preceded in death by his parents, wife Joan, daughter Connie Herke, and siblings, Arlene Henkelvig, Alice Kathman, Esther Anderson, Wilma Refsell and August Herke.
Visitation
Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 1:00PM – 2:00PM
Bethel Lutheran Church
401 W. Patterson St.
GRAETTINGER
Service
Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 2:00PM
Bethel Lutheran Church
401 W. Patterson St.
GRAETTINGER
henryolsonfuneral.com