Douglas A. Wills, age 81 years, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday January 27, 2016 at his residence. He was born on June 8, 1934 in Norway, Michigan to Russell and Lily (nee Hammarlund) Wills. He graduated from Norway High School, class of 1951 and later graduated from Michigan State University, class of 1956.
After graduation, he was employed by Arthur Anderson in Chicago and then later transferred to Milwaukee, where he met Elizabeth (Betty) Rice, a nurse who lived in the same apartment complex. Doug and Betty married on October 18, 1958 in Tomah, WI. The couple soon moved to West Bend, where he joined B.C. Ziegler Co. in 1959 and retired in 1987.
He was an active member of his community during his 56 years living and working in West Bend, giving freely of his time and talents as a CPA, most notably as a director on the board of The Threshold. Doug was an avid Michigan State Spartan fan, loved golfing, traveling, was a tremendous reader, and above all else, loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.
Doug is survived by his children: Julie (Carl) Horn, Richard, Chris (Julie), grandchildren: Abigale (Tom) Hall, Andrew Horn, Katelyn Horn, Maddie Wills (fiancé Jake Liedtke), Jacob, Chloe, Casey, and Charles Wills, great-grandson Mason Hall, and another great-grandson expected this spring. He is further survived by his brother Warren Wills, sister Lorraine Jaworski, brothers-in-law William (late Rita) Rice, Richard (late Pat) Rice, and Hank, his cherished rescue dog, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, wife Elizabeth, grandchildren Joseph Horn and Joely Wills, daughter-in-law Julie Dricken Wills, brother Bruce (Betty), brother-in-law Michael Rice, and sister-in-law Margaret Wills.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 5:00 pm at St. Frances Cabrini (1025 S. 7th Ave.) on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 with Father Nathan Reeseman presiding. Inurnment will be at Washington County Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the CHURCH ONLY on Wednesday, February 3 from 3:00 pm – 4:45 pm Memorials are appreciated to the Washington Co. Humane Society (3650 Hwy 60, Slinger, WI 53086).
The family would like to thank Lisa Perkins and Doug’s many neighbors for their help with his care the past six months.