Willard Wiens
1939 - 2021
Willard Wiens, 82, died Wednesday, May
5, 2021 at Kidron Bethel in North Newton.
Willard was born to Jacob and Mary
(Wedel) Wiens on a farm outside of Lehigh, Kansas on March 31, 1939.
Willard graduated from Newton High
School, the class of 1958.
Willard's first job was as a pin setter
at PlayMor Lanes, and after a few years, he was promoted to work the
front desk. Little did he know the bowling alley would be where he
would meet the love of his life, Lois.
On October 25, 1963, Willard married
Lois Regier in Elbing, Kansas. Together they attended the First
Baptist Church in Newton, Kansas.
Willard worked as the service
technician at LeEd Tire for 18 years. After leaving LeED Tire he
began working at Hehr International for 15 years.
Bowling remained a passion of Willards,
and for over 40 years he served as the secretary of the Tuesday night
league. Over the years, the bowling alley brought Willard many true
and special friends.
When Willard wasn't bowling, he enjoyed
gardening, tinkering on cars, and riding his Honda 200 motorcycle to
work.
In 2018 Willard moved to Kidron Bethel
Healthcare and enjoyed listening to staff and people watching.
Willard is survived by his daughter,
Karen Wiens and son, Jim (Kim) Wiens, both of Newton; daughter, Wendy
(Patrick) O'Hare of Topeka; grandsons, Evan (Megan) Gronau of Ottawa,
and Avery Gronau of Lawrence; great-grandchildren, Maggie Gronau and
Garrison Gronau (to be born September 2021) of Ottawa.
He was preceded in death by his
parents; wife, Lois Wiens on March 19, 2017; brother, Theodore Wiens;
sister, Evelyn Rauh; and nephew, Leroy Rauh.
A graveside service will be at 11:00AM,
Monday, May 17, at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton, Kansas with Pastor
Chip Bungard presiding. A visitation is planned for the afternoon
prior, Sunday, May 16, from 1:00PM to 5:00PM at Petersen Funeral Home
in Newton. Family of Willard will be greeting guests during the
visitation from 2:00PM to 4:00PM.
Memorials are suggested to the Newton
High School Bowling Club or Newton Meals on Wheels in care of
Petersen Funeral Home.
