Dale R. Willi

Dale R. Willi, age 84 of Hudson, WI, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2016 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN. Dale was born the son of Henry and Eda (Larson) Willi on January 25, 1932 in Chippewa Falls, WI. Dale graduated from Chippewa Falls High School with the Class of 1950. He then enlisted, and served his country in the United States Navy for four years. On June 18, 1955, Dale would be united in marriage to Delores M. Henneman. Following their wedding, Dale went on to earn a degree from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Dale and Delores would move to Hudson in 1957, where they made their home and raised their family.

Dale worked for years as a Technical Writer for the Sperry-Rand and Unisys Corporations. His work contributed to the technology used in the Trident class of submarines for the US Navy. Outside of work, Dale was known to many through his involvement in the Hudson community. He was a man of strong faith who devoted his time and talents to Bethel Lutheran Church as a member of their choir and the property committee. He served as a Scoutmaster and committee member with Troop 140, as a Commissioner for Hudson Police and Fire, as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, and with the Phipps Center for the Arts. Dale enjoyed attending musicals and concerts locally, as well as getting together with friends for Bridge group, and his Wednesday Breakfast Group. Dale was also an accomplished woodworker and furniture maker. Dale will be missed for his incredible sense of knowing the right thing to do, and for his caring qualities and his genuine personality.

Dale is survived by his sons, Craig (Marcia) Willi, and Mark (Kaye) Willi; daughter, Kathryn (Kristopher) Gregersen; grandchildren: Danielle (Nick) Bergthold, Lucas (Angela) Willi, and Samuel (fiancée, Suzie Brownell) Willi, Brian Willi, and Maren, Erik, and Haley Gregersen; sister, Ione McDonell; brother, Bernard “Buni” Willi; sisters-in-law, Donna Willi and Eleanor Henneman; brother-in-law, Dennis (Mary Lou) Henneman; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Dale was preceded in death by his wife, Delores; his parents; siblings: Don (Helen) Willi, Lorraine (Doug) McVicar, Bob (Lois) Willi, Pete (Gail) Willi, George Willi, Jeanette (John) Lenfesty, and Fred Willi; brother-in-law, Pat McDonell; and sister-in-law, Marquita Willi.

Services celebrating the life of Dale Willi will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at the Bethel Lutheran Church, 920 Third St. in Hudson WI. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, and also from 4:00-7:00pm on Friday. Both visitations will take place at the Bethel Lutheran Church.

Memorials honoring Dale R. Willi may be directed to the Delores Willi Keyboard Scholarship, Bethel Lutheran Church, the Phipps Center for the Arts, or the Christian Community Home. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson WI. 715-386-3725