Willard Doucette

1931 - 2026

Willard "Will" H. Doucette, age 94, died Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Bridgeway assisted living in Little Falls, Minnesota.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 16th, at Faith Lutheran Church in Little Falls, with Pastor Mark Johnson officiating. A visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service. The burial will take place at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at 1:00 PM.

Born at home, in Ripley Township, Minnesota, Willard was the first child born to "Bill" and Mary (Marotte) Doucette. Willard paused his schooling at the eighth grade to work on the family farm and, due to family circumstances, to care for his younger siblings. At age 17, Will joined the National Guard. He later joined the Army and fought in Korea. Will was an Army Paratrooper and a sharpshooter. He was honorably discharged in 1953. The time Will spent serving in Korea, forever impacted his life.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary; his wife, Mary Ellen (Popilek) Doucette; his son, Bradley Doucette; his sisters, Marlene (Doucette) Popilek, Jackie (Doucette) Argodale and brother, William Doucette.

Willard is survived by his daughter, Dee Ann R. (Donald) Block; grandson, Nathan (Jennifer) Block; granddaughter, Jenaleah Block and grandson, Daniel Block. Willard was thrilled to be a great-grandfather in 2025 with the birth of John Block, son of Nathan and Jennifer Block. Also surviving are Sue Doucette, widow of Bradley Doucette; Sue's daughter Cyndi (Michael) and their son Jackson and Sue's daughter Kelli. He also is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. Surviving siblings: sister, Colette (David-deceased) Caron of Minnesota; brother, Richard (Christine) Doucette of Colorado; sister, Falinda (Larrry) MacDonald of Minnesota; and sister, Gay (Robert-deceased) Wilkins of California.

Will was an avid reader constantly adding to his knowledge of world history, theology, and politics. He also enjoyed reading westerns and mysteries.

While in Korea, he received his high school diploma from the U.S. government. Will would smile and say, "all I had to do was serve in Korea to earn my high school diploma." After Korea, Will continued his studies, becoming qualified to work in hydroelectric power plants, holding positions from electrician to foreman and superintendent. With his wife and children, Will lived in the states of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Washington and, after his children were adults, Will and Mary Ellen, moved to Alaska where he worked until retiring back home in Minnesota.

Throughout his life faith remained important. After his marriage to Mary Ellen, wherever they lived, Will was an active member of the Lutheran Church. His gift for numbers meant he was often treasurer of the congregation.

Willard was a member of the VFW, American Legion, NRA, American Rifle Association, Good Sam's Club, and Thousand Trails.

Besides being with family, Will enjoyed trap shooting and was a Washington state shooting champion. He loved ski diving, riding his motorcycle, downhill and cross-country skiing, hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, hiking, reading, card games, and most people. Doughnuts were always a welcome treat for Willard. He loved doughnuts; especially chocolate covered or sugar coated. He will be missed by many.

Emblom Brenny Funeral Service is Cherishing the Memory and Celebrating the Life of Willard.