Willard LeRoy Bretsch

February 16, 1930 – April 23, 2011

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Interment: First Lutheran Cemetery, Brookings, SD

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Willard LeRoy Bretsch was born February 16, 1930 to Herman and Elizabeth (Elsen) Bretsch at Hecla, South Dakota. He grew up on the farm west of Hecla and stayed there until he entered the U.S. Army where he served from 1953 to 1955. On May 19, 1957 Willard was united in marriage to Joy Meseberg. After his service to our country, he started working for the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. Under this employment, the couple lived in many different locations in South Dakota where they made wonderful and lasting friendships. After his retirement in 1986, Willard had time to pursue his other interests. Supporting his love to be active he enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards, woodworking, golfing, and pool. He was known to family and friends as the "Fixer" since there were very few things that he couldn't fix or repair. He was a proud Grandpa and Great-Grandpa and his legacy will live on through the stories and appreciation of his life through his family.

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(Survivors at the time of Willard's passing) Honored to have shared his life were his wife Joy and their four children: Carey, Lynn, Lori, and Lisa and their families.