Mr. Etling was a proud member of the Steamfitters Union Local 439 for more than 50 years. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL, was a member of the Board of Trustees, and served on numerous committees at the church.
Willard was a Private First Class in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a radio operator on a B-29 Bomber and later was a pilot in the Army Air Corps.
In 1945, Willard married Fern Schorr, and built their family home. He was a dedicated man of service. He was a warm, gentle soul, and never met a stranger. He was a lifelong fisherman with a great sense of humor, and one heck of a dancer! He enjoyed his membership with the Belleville RC Flyers Model Aviation Club, and was loved and respected by all.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Fern Marie, nee Schorr, Etling; his second wife, Jeanette, nee Pierce, Etling; his parents, Alfred and Louisa, nee Kuhn; Etling; and a sister, Violet Guetterman-Eicholz.
Surviving are three daughters, Judy Stephens (fiancé, Frank Manzullo) of Belleville, IL,
Patricia Siemer of Belleville, IL,
and Jean (Wife, Syd) Levesque-Etling of Conifer, CO;
seven grandchildren, Charles Stephens III, Shannon Stephens,
Jennifer Stephens, Ryan Siemer
Brent Siemer,
Chloe Levesque-Etling,
and Jessie Levesque-Etling;
five great-grandchildren, Isaiah Siemer,
Payton Stephens,
Brandon Reinhardt,
Cameron Javier,
and Cayden Javier
Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or to the Disabled American Veterans. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, May 4, 2017, at Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be at 11a.m. Thursday, May 4, 2017, at Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Darwin Schrader officiating. Burial will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.