Age 97, of St. Paul Passed away peacefully on October 23, 2024 with her loving daughter by her side. Preceded in death by husband, Dean, parents, 6 older siblings, and many beloved friends and extended family. Survived by daughter, Anne of Minneapolis, and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and close friends.

Willie worked as anurse in anumber of settings, including as an operating room scrub nurse at the University of Iowa Hospitals and private care around the Twin Cities after marrying Dean in 1968. She continued to care for people in their homes until the late 1990s and became close friends with many of the families she cared for.

When she wasn’t busy in church activities or spending time with family and friends, Willie expressed her creative side through her many sewing projects, including her special Willie Bears which she lovingly made and gave as gifts or sold at her holiday bear boutiques.

Willie loved nature, traveling, and had a great sense of humor. She cared deeply about the people around her and remained her kind and inquisitive self right up until the end. She was loved and cared for by the amazing staff at Lyngblomsten Care Center and Allina Hospice. Her family is extremely grateful for their excellent care.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 28, 2024 at Path of Grace United Methodist Church (759 Co. Rd. B East, Maplewood, MN) with a light lunch to follow. Visitation will be held at the church one hour before the service. Private interment at a later date. Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity (habitat.org) or the International Owl Center (internationalowlcenter.org).