Willis Etter, 93 of Hysham, MT passed away peacefully at the Rosebud Health Care Center on January 14th, 2021.
Willis was born on July 27th, 1927 in Wimbledon, North Dakota. He was the youngest child of Fredrick and Anna (Carroll) Etter. As a youngster, Willis attended rural school with his older sisters MaryAnn and Mildred for the first six grades. He then attended the parochial school of St. Catherine’s in Valley City, ND. Willis went on to minor seminary school in Onamia, Minnesota. Upon completing minor seminary, he started his higher education at St. John’s University in St. Cloud, Minnesota where he majored in philosophy with minors in music, English, and Latin. Willis was ordained in the Roman Catholic priesthood on April 26th, 1952 in Fargo, ND. He served in that capacity for the Diocese of Fargo for 18 years.
Willis had a talent for music, even at a young age. He would often entertain guests at the family home by standing on a soap box and singing various songs. Willis had a beautiful voice, and sang at various functions and celebrations. When Willis resigned from the priesthood, he started a new adventure as a music teacher, where he taught at Tappen, Bowden, Michigan, and North Dakota.
On February 10th, 1971, Willis married Donna Mack and became the stepfather of her four children: Vickie, Steven, Paulette and Dean. He and Donna then went on to have two more children together, DeAnna and Tylene.
Willis and Donna moved their family to Hysham, MT in 1974. Willis managed Farmer’s Union for three years, and then worked as a bookkeeper for 18 years for Hysham Community Elevator. During this time, Willis also drove the school bus for bus routes and activities. He ran for Treasure County Justice of the Peace in 1987, and served that position respectfully for 24 years. He and his wife Donna would also mow lawns for St. Joseph’s Catholic Church as well as for a few residential yards in Hysham.
Willis will always be known for his impeccable integrity, honor, and humility. He was devoted to the Almighty God and His Son, Jesus Christ. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Lions Club in Hysham, MT.
Willis leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Donna; his five children, Vickie (Don) Larcher of Sylva, NC; Steven (Luanna)Schauer of Loveland, CO; Dean Schauer of Scottsdale, AZ; DeAnna (Chris) Hanosh of Albuquerque, NM; and Tylene (Shane) Eaton of Terry, MT. Also included are 13 grandchildren: Sara, Adam, Andrew, Briana, Rylee, Jacob, Madison, Megan, Abigail, Olivia, Molly, Hatty, and Ashley. He leaves behind nieces and nephews as well. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Anna, his two sisters MaryAnn and Mildred, and his stepdaughter Paulette.
Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service has been planned for a later date in the summer. Stevenson and Sons of Forsyth, MT is entrusted with arrangements.
Service Schedule
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Tuesday July 27, 2021
St. Josephs Catholic Church
Hysham , MT 59038
Rite of Committal
Following Mass of Chritian Burial
Tuesday July 27, 2021
Hysham Vale Cemetery
Hysham, MT 59038
Service Schedule
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Tuesday July 27, 2021
St. Josephs Catholic Church
Hysham , MT 59038
Rite of Committal
Following Mass of Chritian Burial
Tuesday July 27, 2021
Hysham Vale Cemetery
Hysham, MT 59038
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Vada Metzenberg says
Steve, I’m so very sorry to hear about this death in your family. Please know you’re in my thoughts & prayers for safety as you travel & comfort for your Mom & the whole family. If I can do anything to help, pleas let me know. Vada
Jack & Kirsten Crocker says
So sorry to hear about Willis passing. He was such a nice man.
Cora Marks says
Donna, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Corky Marks
Willis and Dennis are probably in their healthy bodies strolling along on the highway to heaven, just chit-chatting away!
Robbie Moreland says
Sorry to hear About your loss our prayers are with you and your family julio and robbie morales
Maxine Wahl says
So sorry to hear about Willis. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Willis was such a dignified, nice man.
Ronnie Mack says
So sorry to hear of Willis’s passing. My thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends.
Kimber Emmons says
Donna and family –
I am so sorry to hear of Willis’s passing. I have so many memories of him growing up!! We are thinking of you all and wishing you peace. Heads Up Hearts Strong. Always.
Brett, Kimber, Chi, Savannah, ~Kenna~, Cale, Kensi, Caty, & Karlee
Cathy Kalmback says
Tylene, Shane & Family,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Pamela belgarde miller says
Donna and family sorry to hear about your loss prayers to you all.
Lou Ann Wsyne says
Donna and Family
Sorry to read of your loss. It is so hard to lose our
Love ones. Take comfort in your memories and the promise
Of eternal life.
Deb Stanek says
Your loved one, Willis Etter brings very good memories to mind. He did love music as you said, every time I see Jon Batiste on Steven Colbert I think of your loved one playing Melodica Piano, I think it might have been his favorite instrument when he directed and taught music. He will always be remembered with love by many. Wishing each of you peace and blessed memories.
Deb (Henley) Stanek formerly Tappen, ND
Bob and Donna Peterson says
Donna, I remember Willis and his parents.We lived neighbors. Donna (Nelson) Peterson.My Dad Milford stood up for Willis when you got married. We still live by Wimbledon where my folks lived. Willis was a great man.Prayers for your family. Love Donna and Bob Peterson.