Milo Wille

Milo Severnis Wille was born September 30, 1922 in Mahnomen, MN, the son of Otto and Clara (Bjerken) Wille. He attended school in Mahnomen and graduated with the class of 1941. Following graduation, Milo entered the United States Army and served during WWII. After his honorable discharge in 1946, he returned to Mahnomen. On May 23, 1950 Milo was united in marriage to Delores “Cookie” Krebsbach at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Mahnomen. The couple made their home in Mahnomen and raised their family. Milo worked for the United States Postal Department until his retirement. He also enjoyed helping out as a bartender at the Mahnomen American Legion. During retirement years, Milo and Cookie loved to spend the winters in Texas, where they had many great friends. After Cookie’s death in July of 2000, Milo remained in Mahnomen but continued to travel to Texas with special friend, Kathy Lien, during the winters. Milo died Monday, August 27, 2012 in the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, MN at the age of 89. Milo was blessed with a great deal of athleticism and could do almost anything he wanted, even into his later years, including parasailing in his 80’s. He loved sports of all kinds: golfing, fishing, bowling, football and baseball, however, not such a big fan for Bingo. Over the years, Milo was very instrumental in establishing and participating in the Mahnomen Quarter Back Club. He loved Mahnomen Football! He was also active with the American Legion Baseball League. He helped maintain the field and hit hundreds of fly balls for the kids. In addition to sports, Milo was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church where he taught religious education for many years. He was also an active life member of the Mahnomen American Legion Isaacson-Bjorge Post #31, holding the position of the squad leader of the honor guard for many years. If you ever shook Milo’s hand, you remember it. He left a lasting impression with the firmness of his handshake and whether or not your fingers would ever be the same again. He will be missed by many. Milo is survived by sons, Wayne (Mary) Wille of Fergus Falls, MN, and Jim (Debbie) Wille of Fosston, MN; grandsons, Michael (Laci) Wille of Woodbury, MN, Tony (Jennifer) Wille of Bemidji, MN; and three great-grandchildren: Eva, Elle and Charlie. He is also survived by special nieces, Linda (Oak) Larson O’Connor and Pat (Elisio) Frescas of California and nephew, Brian Larson of Detroit Lakes, MN, in addition to several cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Milo was preceded in death by his parents; wife, a daughter, Donna Wille; a grandson, David Wille; and sister, Evelyn Larson. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 31, 2012 at 11:00 am at the First Lutheran Church, Mahnomen. Visitation will be held one hour before services. Burial will be in the Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery, Mahnomen, MN.

Milo Wille

September 30, 1922 - August 27, 2012