Donald Wille

Donald W. Wille, 80, of rural Garnavillo, died unexpectedly on May 17, 2014, while attending a family celebration. He was born February 13, 1934, son of Leo and Susan (Meyers) Wille. He attended St. Mary School. In 1954, Donald served his country with the United States Army as a generator mechanic in Germany until 1956, during which time he purchased his beloved (and now restored) 1956 Volkswagen Beetle to road trip through Europe with his Army buddies who quickly became lifelong friends. Donald married JoAnn Lucille Bries on August 28, 1956, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Luxemburg, Iowa. They spent 45 wonderful years together until her death on January 2, 2002. On March 27, 2005, he married Dorothy Ehlts at St. Mary Catholic Church in Guttenberg. Donald and JoAnn began their lives together as dairy and hog farmers on the farm where he was born and raised. Donald, an ideas man who never sat still for long, also started several additional successful business ventures, most of which he continued to help with until the day he died. This includes his Patz dealership of nearly 50 years, his construction business (Donald & Leo Wille Construction), and his wood flooring and trim business (Buzz Saw Wille Woodworking). Donalds greatest joy was found in helping others. He was known as a "go-to" man all over northeast Iowa and could always come up with a creative solution to any problem. He was always there to support his family with words of wisdom, free labor, or a helping hand. In his free time, Donald enjoyed travelling with JoAnn, and later, Dorothy, and visited many countries. He also enjoyed playing Bid Euchre with his card club. Donald was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church and a strong supporter of Catholic education at St. Mary School. Donald is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and his 11 children and 26 grandchildren: Donna (Roy) Kann and children Michelle (Benny) Volkmann, Colleen (Adam) Losey, and Rachel; Dale (Mary) and children Samantha (Barry) Garretson, Brianne, Lindsey and Alexandria; Doris (John) Moyna and children Katrina, Ashley and Carissa; Jane (Tom) Augustyn and children Justin, Travis (Tara) and Derek; Daniel ( Shanna) and children Hunter, Spencer and Jennifer; Daryl (fiance Jody Klein); Leo (Kathy) and children Jacob, Sydni and Mason; Loren (Karin) and children Jordan and Brandon; Glenn (Heather) and children Evan and Quinn; Lee (Laura) and daughter Lizabeth; Alan (Jenny) and children Carson and London; and two great granddaughters, Olivia and Anya Volkmann. He is further survived by three sisters, Rosemary Menke, Lorraine Burkle and Leona Berger; two step-children, Charlotte (Chad) Smith and Douglas (L.J.) Stroud, his three "second" sons, Randy Kruse, Randy Heller and John Hoeger; and an extended family of relatives and friends from every walk of life. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, JoAnn, a brother, Lawrence Wille a sister, Elizabeth Hoeger, and infant grandchildren Andrew Augustyn and Chris Kann.On September, 16, 2013, Donald, along with daughter, Jane, participated in an Old Glory Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Donalds name to Old Glory Honor Flight of Greater Dubuque, St. Mary Church or St. Mary School.Visitation: Wednesday 3:00- 8:00 P.M. May 21, 2014 at the Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home Guttenberg, Iowa and one hour before service at church.Funeral Service: Thursday 10:30 A.M. May 22, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Guttenberg, IowaInterment: Mt. Olivet Cemetery Guttenberg, Iowa Service Information A service summary is not available