Willis Luther Loeck, age 87, passed away peacefully June 12, 2024.

Willis was born on June 10, 1937 in Windom, Minnesota to Henry and Emma (Kolander) Loeck. He grew up on their farms near Lakefield and Sanborn, Minnesota and attended both high school and college at Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. There he met his wife, Joyce, as they were both studying to be teachers. They were married August 12, 1961. Most of their married life they lived in various towns throughout Wisconsin until they settled in Appleton in 1976 and joined Mount Olive Lutheran Church (WELS). After almost fifty-years of marriage, Joyce passed away in 2011 with Willis near her side.

Willis loved to learn and teach. He served as a grade-school teacher and later as a substitute teacher at the end of his working years. He was also a door-to-door World Book Encyclopedia salesman, equipping many families, libraries and schools with excellent educational materials for all ages. He had a healthy sense of humor and a quick wit. His children often remember his response to any question was always "look it up"— His version of "Google it." (He used it that often.)

A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, it was obvious that Willis loved his Lord and Savior. He served faithfully in his church throughout his life. He spent many years as an integral part of the Sunday School program at Mount Olive. He also made sure all seven of his children received a Christian education and graduated from Fox Valley Lutheran High School.  He had the pleasure of watching many of his grandchildren graduate from various Christian schools across the Midwest.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Violet Loeck  and Viola Wagner.

He is survived by his children, Rebecca (John) Tritten - Wausau, WI ; Katherine Smart - Stillwater, MN; Sharon (Brian) Preuss -  Milwaukee, WI; Jonathan (Tammy) Loeck – Sherwood, WI; Susan (Dave) Swanson - Woodbury, MN; Rachel (Brian) Broekemeier, - Lebanon, IL; and Mary (AJ) Dumas -  Chippewa Falls, WI; his 22 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

A Funeral Service for Willis will be held at 11 AM, This Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Mt. Olive Ev. Lutheran Church (930 E. Florida Ave.) with Rev Timothy Priewe officiating. Friends may visit the family from 9 AM – 11 AM Saturday directly at church. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Appleton.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff from Aspire Senior Living – Kimberly and Compassus Hospice who lovingly took care of their friend. Your kindness was very much appreciated.

"Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so."

A livestream of Willis's Service may be viewed by clicking or entering the following link five minutes before the service: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a24062827111337