Peter C. Willadsen, Jr.

July 23, 1931 ~ March 15, 2017
Peter C. Willadsen, Jr., age 85 of New Hampton, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at Linn Haven Rehab and Healthcare in New Hampton.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Congregational United Church of Christ in New Hampton with Pastor Paul Pickar officiating. Burial will be held at New Hampton Cemetery in New Hampton. Military rites will be provided by the New Hampton American Legion Post # 38. Fireman bell rites will be provided by the Buchanan County Fireman's Honor Guard. The active casket bearers will be the New Hampton Fire Department.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, March 17, 2017 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton and will continue at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Online condolences for Peter’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Peter Christian Willadsen, Jr. was born on July 23, 1931 in New Hampton, Iowa, the son of Peter and Hazel (Dawson) Willadsen. He attended and graduated from New Hampton High School. At the age of 16, Peter began working for Kruger Motors, now K&W Motors. After graduating, Peter entered the United States Army. He was stationed in Seattle, WA and played the French horn for the Army Corp. Band. He then played percussion in a jazz band on his weekends at the NCO and in town. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Peter returned home and went back to his position at Kruger Motors. On September 4, 1954, Peter was united in marriage to Phyllis Hibbs at Congregational United Church of Christ in New Hampton. The couple remained in New Hampton and raised their eight children, Craig, Bruce, Jon, Joy, Kevin, Kim, Amy and Brad. He served on the New Hampton Fire Department for 50 years and 24 years were served as Chief.
Peter enjoyed his time on the fire department, hunting and fishing. He was an avid bowler and served as Secretary and Treasurer from 1955 to 2015 for the Wapsie League and New Hampton Men’s Bowling Association. Peter also enjoyed putting together puzzles and spending time with his family. He was a lifelong member at Congregational United Church of Christ.
Peter is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Phyllis of New Hampton; his children, Craig (Donna) Willadsen; Bruce Willadsen, both of New Hampton, Jon (Heather) Willadsen of Platteville, WI, Joy Willadsen of Tyler, TX, Kevin (Nancy) Willadsen, Kim Rosonke both of New Hampton, Amy Willadsen of Flint, TX and Brad (Janet) Willadsen of Mesa, AZ; his sister, Lois Kelsey of Lakewood, CO; 19 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Dorothy Bertram, Jean Hocevar and Lorraine Darr and two brothers, Howard and Bobby.
Deepest sympathy to the Willadsen famliy.
It was a pleasure and a privilege working and getting to know Pete when he was at Linn-Haven. He was kind and witty always pleasant and adored his family and spoke of them constantly. Thoughts and prayers to everyone during this difficult time. Linda Flick.
Mike and I are sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to everyone.
My heart goes out to the whole family. Uncle Peter was awesome and he will be sorely missed 😔
Our deepest sympathy to Phyllis and all the family. We have many many good memories with Peter. May God welcome him with open arms. Rest in peace dear friend. Jack and Betty Gorman
Our sympathy to Phyllis and her family. Duane & Pat Lynch
Pete has always been a such a great man who always had a smile that warmed everyone’s heart! He never treated me like I wasn’t part of the family and always happy when I visited! I will miss him so much. Rip love you!
Phyllis and family, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved husband and father. He was so talented and dedicated to his family, church, and community. Keep telling his story.
So sorry for the family loss thought and prayers for the family Gloria Fox
So sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Willadsen family. The Weidlers Lorraine, Deb, and Kathy
Thoughts and prayers for the family. I am sorry to hear of your loss.
Rhonda Roths
We remember Pete from being out at the bowling alley for the City Tournaments and the Bowling Banquets. He was always so laid back and always smiling. He will be missed by all of us out there. Our thoughts and prayers to his family and may his memories ease your mind today. David and Jeanne Roder
I knew him as “Little Pete” from the time I was a child, and my father worked with him in the Oldsmobile garage. He was one of the nicest people I ever knew.
I and Agatha offer our condolences to the family.
My deepest sympathy to Phyllis & family, When I would go to K & W with bus problems Pete was such a kind, friendly and helpful person with a smile. A good mechanic. Prayers
Phyllis and family,
Dave and I send our sympathy to all of your family. Good memories will be had by all who knew Pete.
Dave and Sandy Jaschen
Phyllis, My prayers are with you and your family as you mourn the loss of Peter and remember the wonderful gift he was to each of you.
Sincere sympathy to the Willadsen family
So sad to hear about Peter. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Phyllis and family.
Jerry and Mary Lou Poncelet
Sympathy to the Willadsen family with thoughts and prayers.
Uncle Peter was a great man and will be missed by all who knew hm! Love and hugs to the whole family !!
Will be missed by ALL who knew him! Church will not be the same, but we will continue on just as Peter would expect of us!! Until we meet again may he Rest in Peace.
Dear Phyllis and family: My sympathy to all of you. Pete had such a beautiful soul, so kind and concerned for others as he delivered noon meals to those. His smile and humor was a gift. Sharon Trewin
To Phyllis and children of Pete…I have fond memories of Pete growing up just two house away from your house. My thoughts are with you in this time of loss! Darrel Lang
the card we sent was returned-but we do want you to know we are thinking of you and send sincere sympathy for the loss of a special man. have many bowling memories. very sorry for your loss. Bill and Leona Harris
Deepest sympathy to your family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Shelly and Jeff Krall