Wesley Monroe Willard

Wesley Monroe Willard, 90, of Wauconda, IL died March 5, 2019 at Good Shepherd Hospital. He was born August 17, 1928 in Joliet, IL to Amy (Wesley) and Raymond Willard. After his mother’s death, he spent his childhood on his grandparents’ farm in Northern Wisconsin with his late brother William Kenneth Willard. During his high school years, he worked with his parents at the Willard Restaurant. He graduated from Libertyville High School in 1946. Wes served as Sgt. First Class in the army during the Korean Conflict and served several years in the National Guard. He worked as a cabinet maker and draftsman in architectural woodworking and was a member of the Carpenters Union. Wes loved music and sang in church choirs and Barbershop choruses for many years. He was a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society for 52 years. He also enjoyed good food, traveling, dancing, reading daily devotions, newspaper comics, playing cribbage, cards, jigsaw puzzles, and collecting record albums.

Wes cherished family. He was a beloved husband of the late Jean (Ohlrogge) for 47 years and a devoted friend to Carol Smith for 17 years. A loving father to three daughters: the late Carmen (Jim) Buell, Pamela (Walter) Facchini and Natalie (John) Trumbull. Proud grandfather of Alex and Garrett Buell, Mikel (Morgan) and Carly Facchini, Nicola (Alex) Prybell, and Claire and Grace Trumbull. A dear great grandfather of Addison, Silas and Cole Facchini. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Our family was blessed to have many wonderful years with Wes as he shared his faith in God and love for family and friends. He will be remembered for his desire to fix things and his determination to find a solution. As he always said, “Where there’s a Willard there’s a way!”

On Sunday April 7th at Peace Lutheran Church, a visitation and luncheon will be held at 12:00 followed by a 1:00 Celebration of Life Service. (1050 S Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich, IL)

Interment at The Willard Cemetery in Joliet, IL at a later date.

Wes would be honored by a donation in his name to

Harmony Foundation: Keep a Melody Ringing. https://harmonyfoundation.org/ways-to-give/memorial-giving/

Flowers, or a charity of your choice.