Jack L. Willson

SIOUX CITY - Jack L. Willson, 80 a former Sioux City, IA resident, died Sunday, August 21, 2011 at his residence in South Sioux City, NE after a lengthy illness. Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at St. Boniface Catholic Church with Rev. Michael Erpelding officiating. Visitation will be 5:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday with the family present 6:00-8:00 p.m. and a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be sent online at www.meyerbroschapels.com . Jack was born July 3, 1931 in Mitchell, SD. He moved to Sioux City at a young age with his family, the son of Gordon and Helena (Helstern) Willson. He attended Trinity High School and was in the first graduating class from Heelan High School in 1950. On January 12, 1951 he married his best friend and soul mate, Doris A. Marshall. To that union 5 children were born; Ron, Cathy, Sandy, Bill, and Becky. Jack owned and operated Willson Signs for many years. He was a very talented man who enjoyed oil painting, wood crafting and making handmade memorable gifts for his family. He also enjoyed old western movies, fishing, camping, and going to the "doggies". Most of all, he loved making special memories with his family and being called "Papa" by his grandchildren. Jack was an avid Heelan and Notre Dame fan, he even named his pet dog, "Knute" after Knute Rockne, a former coach of Notre Dame. Survivors include his wife of over 60 years, Doris; 2 sons and their wives, Ron and Anette Willson of McCook Lake, SD, Bill and Sheila Willson of Sioux City; 3 daughters and their husbands, Cathy and Steve Allan of Sioux City, Sandy and Jack Sell of Dakota City, NE and Becky and Scott Rumohr of Moville, IA; 15 grandchildren, Tricia and Josh Snyder, Joe Robertson, Stacie Butler and fiance Eric Bishop, Carrie and Nick Wingert, Sara and Ben Sweeney, Kasey and Billie Jo Willson, Katie Willson, Elizabeth Rumohr, Lindsay Allan and fiancé Tim Green, Jeff Allan, Beau Henry, Jordan Henry, Joe Willie Willson, Tracy and Brian Ellinger, Kristin Sell and special friend, Mike Robinette; a brother, Don Willson of Sioux City; a sister and her husband, Rosemary and Cork Grenier of Sioux City; 19 great-grandchildren and another great- granddaughter on the way; and many nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, Leo, George and Dale Willson; a sister, Helen Regynski and a granddaughter-in-law, Brandy Robertson. A special thanks to Hospice of Siouxland and to everyone who helped take care of Jack and a very special thank you to Amy and Doris of Hospice of Siouxland .