Willis Brehmer

Willis J. Brehmer, 86, of Wendell, MN, died on Friday, May 8, 2015, at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls. Willis Brehmer was born on February 21, 1929, in Cumming County, Nebraska, the son of John and Rosina (Repschlaeger) Brehmer. Willis was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bancroft, Nebraska. He attended grade school in Cumming County, District 63. Willis started working at a young age for his father as a farmer and making additional income as a self-taught welder doing jobs for his neighbors. He was married to Jo Ann Otteman on March 12, 1950 and became an independent farmer at that time. They recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. Willis was a Nebraska farmer for 10 years. He then moved his family to Traverse County, outside of Tintah, Minnesota in 1960. He farmed in Tintah, until 1983, during that time he was recognized by the Soil Conservation Program as an outstanding farmer. In 1969, he moved his family to Wendell, Minnesota where he then owned and operated the Wendell Farm Store which provided services from Nachur's Fertilizer and Blumhardt Spraying Equipment. He held different office positions for Christ Lutheran Church. Willis enjoyed spending time with family and friends, fishing, playing cards, square dancing and good food . In his later years he enjoyed watching John Wayne movies. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rosina; a brother, John Brehmer and three sisters, Darlene Novak, Elva Rose Otteman and Marion Anderson. He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Brehmer of Wendell, MN; eight children, David (Kathleen) Brehmer of Sauk Rapids, MN, Susan (Jim) Barnowsky of Cedar Edge, CO, Kathryn (Lewis)Hake of Albuquerque, NM, Nancy (Randy) Brown of Elbow Lake, MN, Kenneth (Virginia) Brehmer of Elbow Lake, MN, Carla (John) Tierney of Dallas, TX, Julie (Gale) Knutson of Moorhead, MN and Patricia (Kevin)Haugen of Spicer, MN; two sisters, Carol (Sam) Bruno of Thorton CO and Judy Forks of Montgomery, AL; a brother, Raynard (Betty) Brehmer of Lyons, NE; 21 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation: Tuesday, May 12, from 5-7 P.M., at the Erickson-Smith Funeral Home in Elbow Lake. Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2015, at Christ Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Clergy: Reverend Donald Wagner Interment: Christ Lutheran Cemetery Funeral arrangements are with the Erickson - Smith Funeral Home of Elbow Lake. Online condolences at: www.ericksonsmithfh.com

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Funeral Home: Erickson-Smith Funeral Home - Elbow Lake 116 1st Street NE Elbow Lake, MN US 56531

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Previous Events

Visitation
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Service
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
cemetery
Wednesday, May 13, 2015