John J. Willman, Sr., “Duke”, 85, formerly of 210 Ella Street, Tiffin, Ohio, and currently at the Ohio Veteran’s Home in Sandusky, Ohio, passed away March 11, 2004, at 11:45 a.m., at Firelands Regional Medical Center, Sandusky, Ohio.
He was born in Tiffin on June 6, 1918, to Frank and Lillian (Hiltabidel) Willman. On June 7, 1947, he married Bernice Sours in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Tiffin. She survives.
Surviving are a son, John J. (Berneice Ann) Willman, Jr., and a daughter, Mrs. Terry (Catherine) Snyder, both of Tiffin; four sisters, Sr. Ann Louise Willman RSM, of Fremont, Ohio, Sister Mary Louise Willman CSA, of Richfield, Ohio, Mrs. Robert (Gertrude) Stein, and Mrs. Constantine (Esther) Terry, both of Tiffin; four grandchildren; two step grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and five step great grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents; three brothers, Theodore, Frank, and Joseph Willman; a sister, Marcella Horning; and two infant sisters.
Mr. Willman attended Calvert High School and retired in 1982 as a maintenance foreman from the Copeland Corp., formerly of Fostoria, Ohio. He served during World War II with the Navy, Seventh Fleet, in the Southwest Pacific.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, United Commercial Travelers, and Disabled American Veterans Post #34. He was a past member of VFW Post #2858, AmVets Post #48, New Riegel American Legion Post #169, and the Tiffin Lions Club.
Father James Say and Monsignor Edward Dunn will concelebrate. Military graveside services will be performed by the United Veteran’s Council. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Calvert High School, or a charity of the donor’s choice.