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Willis Werner Johanningmeier

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Willis Werner Johanningmeier, 95, of Monona, Iowa died Sunday, Oct. 16, at Great River Care Center, McGregor, Iowa. 

Willis was born on July 14, 1921 to William and Johanna (Wagner) Johanningmeier in Clayton County, Iowa. He attended country school through the eighth grade. Willis was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona, Iowa. 

Willis was united in marriage with Gertrude Hertrampf in 1940, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona, Iowa. Gertrude passed away in 1956. On July 4, 1959, Willis was united in marriage with Mildred Schlitter at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Mildred passed on Feb. 21, 1999. 

Willis lived and farmed in rural Monona his entire life. He was always looking for new ways to do things. He was the first farmer in Allamakee County to build bench terraces and was a pioneer in converting to a milking parlor system and to hog confinement. Willis loved grubbing trees with his cat and blasting stumps to clear more land. He was constantly remodeling or building something. When finishing a day of work, every tool was in its place and no machinery was left out.

Willis was a life time member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. He served on the church council. Faith was an important part of his life and he kept the Sabbath holy. He was accepting of what life brought his way.

For several years, Willis enjoyed serving on the REC board which involved traveling and meeting new people. When meeting someone for the first time, they left as friends.

Willis and Mildred enjoyed many winters in Texas, Florida and Arizona. They liked bowling, fishing, gambling, playing cards and shuffleboard. When Willis retired, he took up golf, gardening and restoring antique tractors. When tractor rides became popular, Willis joined in. He liked adventure and new things. He spent a month in Alaska and tried deep sea fishing. A highlight of his life was the two mule rides down the Grand Canyon with family. Willis enjoyed driving fast, wearing bib overalls and having a good Copenhagen chew. He was a man on the move.

Willis loved his family and his many, many friends. He was always interested in what everyone was doing and wanted to stay in touch. During the last fifteen years, Willis was fortunate to share his life with Frances Rothmeyer. 

Willis is survived by his five sons, Duane Johanningmeier, of Monona, Iowa, Dean (Barb) Johanningmeier, of Cross Plains, William (Sally) Johanningmeier, of Monona, Iowa, Dennis (Candy) Schlitter, of Prairie du Chien, and Robert (Lisa) Johanningmeier of Monona, Iowa; five daughters, Sharon Bruening (special friend, Darrell Rogness), of Monona, Iowa, JoAnn (John) Eadie, of Swisher, Iowa, Elaine (Kerry) Melcher, of Monona, Iowa, Judy (Dale) Goeke, of Waverly, Iowa, and Susan (Brian) Murphy, of Waukon, Iowa; thirty grandchildren; fifty-seven great grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; one brother, Maloy Johanningmeier, of Prairie du Chien; one sister, Betty (Henry) Kleinow of Prairie du Chien; many nieces and nephews; and his special friend, Frances Rothmeyer, of McGregor, Iowa.

Willis is preceded in death by his first wife, Gertrude; second wife, Mildred; his parents, William and Johanna; son-in-law, Don Bruening; great grandson, Chad Johanningmeier Jr.; three brothers, Carl, Lloyd and Palmer Johanningmeier and one sister, June Schriver. 

In Lieu of flowers, memorials in Willis’s honor may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Monona, Iowa. Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Friday. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 21, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Monona, Iowa.

Burial will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Monona, Iowa. Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements. 

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