Margaret Florence (Klein) Willis

Margaret Florence (Klein) Willis, 92, of Callaway, Nebraska, died Tuesday, June 3, 2008, at Callaway Good Samaritan Center in Callaway. She died exactly 12 years following the death of her beloved husband, Tony. She was born to William and Minnie M. (Suponchick) Klein on August 1, 1915, in a two-story sod house south of Oconto, Nebraska during a hail storm. Margaret attended school at District #217, south of Oconto. She was united in marriage to Harold J. “Tony” Willis on April 10, 1939. Three children blessed this union; Joan, Junior and Burton. Margaret lived her entire life in Custer County, except for two years in Blaine County when they were first married. She was one of the co-founders of Willis Land & Cattle Company which is still operated by son Junior and daughter-in-law Nancy Willis. Tony and Margaret lived on the ranch until 1993, when they moved to the Grand Generation Manor in Callaway. In addition to being a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, Margaret enjoyed raising chickens and all types of fowl. She loved to garden and grow flowers (she furnished flowers for the church and weddings for over 25 years). In later years she crocheted afghans and doilies, etc., with each member of her family receiving many loving heirlooms. Margaret was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Callaway, where she was an active member of the Altar Society. She also belonged to Cliff Table Neighborhood Pinnocle club near Merna. Tony and Margaret belonged to an anniversary club started in 1939, with five couples involved. Survivors include daughter: Joan Minnie and husband James Downey of Merna, Nebraska. Two sons: Harold Junior and wife Nancy (Contrell) Willis of Callaway, Nebraska; Burton William and wife Carol (Alexander) Willis of Callaway, Nebraska. Nine grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband Tony, four brothers; Edward (Daisy), Earl, Carl and Lewis Klein; two half-brothers; Cecil (Mamie) and Frank (Elizabeth) Kennedy; four sisters; Esther (Jesse) Edmisten, Edna Klein, Elenora (Verel) Hendricksen, and Sadie (Charles) Wright. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Callaway, Nebraska with Reverend Todd Philipsen, officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery at Oconto, Nebraska. Visitation will be held Monday, June 9, 2008, from 5-7 p.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Callaway with Wake/Rosary at 7:00 p.m. also at the church. Memorials are kindly suggested to Mass on KNOP-TV at North Platte or the Donor’s Choice. Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway is in charge of arrangements. One condolences may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.