Willis Donald Roethemeyer

1931 - 2025

Willis Donald Roethemeyer

December 1, 1931 - June 21, 2025

The family of Willis Donald Roethemeyer, 93, is comforted knowing their beloved father went to be with our Lord and Savior and beloved mother on June 21, 2025.

Willis was born on Dec.1, 1931, to Gustave and Ida (Fleer) Roethemeyer on the family farm near Wellfleet. He was the youngest of five children.

Willis attended country schools in the area near the farm, including Mount Pleasant and Echo, until being home-schooled by his sister Eileen in third grade. Beginning the following school year, attended Our Redeemer Lutheran School in North Platte, staying with his eldest sister Paula during the week and returning to the farm on weekends. This arrangement continued until Willis graduated from North Platte High School in 1949. Willis then took a correspondence course on electricity and completed it in 1949 for an electrical certificate.

Willis met Greta Gardner on a blind date set up by mutual friends on Christmas Eve, 1950. Willis and Greta were married on April 23, 1952. Willis was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1954; the Army provided a 12-week course where Willis obtained his electrical license. Willis was then stationed with an engineering detachment and served at Edwards Air Force Base in Edwards, California, until his discharge in 1956.

While stationed in California, they were blessed with the first of their five daughters. Upon Willis' discharge, the family of three returned home to the family farm. They worked on the farm together as true partners to provide for their growing family. Both worked the fields, one on the tractor while the other got some sleep, so they could work around the clock, allowing them to spend family time together camping and fishing. Willis would patiently bait the hooks and teach the girls to cast. As they got older, he used that same patience to teach them to drive and help around the farm.

Willis and his wife served as Lincoln County 4-H leaders for over a decade. Willis was a hands-on teacher and helped with whatever topic a 4-H member was interested in learning. He was very active in the community. Willis was responsible for the formation of the Maywood/Wellfleet Fire District and served as the Board Chairman for 25 years. Willis also served on the Maywood Co-Op Board for 20+ years, the Nebraska Co-Op Council for 14+ years, the McCook Public Power board for 18+ years, and Lincoln County Historical Museum Chairman for 10 years. Willis served two terms as Lincoln County Commissioner from 2006-14. During his term as commissioner, Willis was instrumental in the building of the new jail facilities. As a commissioner, Willis was active on several boards, including the West Central Health Board and RC&D.

Willis was respected by his family, friends, and neighbors for his serious and wise advice, generosity, and calming demeanor.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Greta; his parents; brothers, Oscar and Melvin; sisters, Paula Windhorst and Eileen Klingsporn; and son-in-law, Verne Leyendecker.

He is survived by his daughters, Debra Roethemeyer, Susan (Richard) Meranda, Angela (Steve) Chittick, Kamala (Aaron) Conley and Melissa (James) Friend; twelve grandchildren; and seventeen great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Wellfleet Community Club, Lincoln County Historical Museum or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Memorial service is at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with the Rev. David Ramsey officiating. Burial follows at the Curtis Cemetery. Visitation is from noon to 7 p.m., with family present from 5-7 p.m., Monday, June 30, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.