Willard Henry Went

1937 - 2025

Willard Henry Went

November 23, 1937 - March 26, 2025

Willard Henry Went, 87, of Columbus, Neb., passed away on March 26, 2025, after a short battle with multiple myeloma.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 3 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church (LCMS - 12.5 miles North) with Rev. Paul Rempfer officiating. Interment will be in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Columbus with military honors by The American Legion Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church. There will be a family prayer service on Thursday at 10:15 a.m. at the church. A luncheon will follow the service at Wunderlich's. The family will join the luncheon after a private family graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to organizations that were dear to Willard: Columbus Rescue Mission, Leigh Legacy Endowment Fund, St. John Lutheran School, or the Messiah Respite Program.

Born on the family homestead south of Creston, Neb., Willard was the son of Fred and Emma (Sander) Went. Willard married the love of his life, Sharon Kratochvil, on July 6, 1958, and together they shared nearly 67 years of marriage. He spent most of his life in Creston, where he farmed alongside his son, Todd, until retiring to Columbus in 2002.

After retiring from farming, Willard worked as a bank courier for First National Bank in Columbus. He enjoyed golfing and loved spending time on the golf course in Leigh, relishing a hole-in-one. A cherished memory for Willard was taking some of his grandsons to Promise Keeper events, and he was deeply blessed to be part of the Stand in the Gap event in Washington, D.C.

Willard's greatest accomplishment was his family. He was a caring father to his four children, a loving grandfather to thirteen grandchildren, and a proud great-grandfather to twenty-five great-grandchildren. He prayed for his great-grandchildren by name in birth order each day. His legacy of faith, love, and dedication to his family will continue to live on. Willard was especially devoted to his wife, Sharon, caring for her with unwavering love during her battle with Alzheimer's over the past eighteen years.

Willard served in the National Guard and Army Reserve. Throughout his life, Willard also served as treasurer for various organizations and was an active member of his community. His faith was the foundation of everything he did, and he was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus for many years and more recently St. John Lutheran Church, north of Columbus.

Willard is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon; children: Tammi (Merlin) Groteluschen, Tricia (Richard) Mullenhoff, Todd (June) Went, Trudi (Dustin) Lappe; his 13 grandchildren: Brandon (Kris) Groteluschen, Cole (Christina) Groteluschen, Clay (Fran) Groteluschen, Jason (Ashley) Mullenhoff, Ryan (Kristin) Mullenhoff, Tiffany (Sean) Malena, Dylan (Kelsie) Went, Logan (Lexi) Went, Trinity Lappe, Skylar Lappe, Sydona Lappe, and Lincoln Lappe; and 25 great-grandchildren: Jackson Mullenhoff, Adyson Groteluschen, Quentin Mullenhoff, Alyvea Groteluschen, Atley Groteluschen, Jurnee Mullenhoff, Aubrey Groteluschen, Emery Malena, Lakin Mullenhoff, Hazyn Groteluschen, Aleeya Groteluschen, Taelynn Went, Nixon Mullenhoff, Kord Groteluschen, Everly Malena, Kendall Went, Vivian Groteluschen, Ainsley Groteluschen, Adalynn Went, Creed Malena, Maddix Went, Henry Groteluschen, Hyatt Went, Mason Went, Hendrix Went; as well as many extended family members and friends.

Willard was met in heaven by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his parents, Fred and Emma Went; siblings, LaVern F. (Jeanne) Went and Shirley M. (Thomas) Boning; and his grandson, Taylor J. Went.

Willard's family takes comfort knowing he is now at peace in the presence of his Savior and reunited with those who have gone before him. His legacy of faith and love will forever be cherished.

"Thank you for what you do." - Willard.

Condolences may be sent to www.gasshaney.com.