Kenneth "Hank" Willson

1945 - 2025

Kenneth "Hank" Willson, age 79, of Shell Rock, Iowa, died Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Clarksville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Clarksville, Iowa.

Hank was born on November 15, 1945, in Oelwein, Iowa, the son of Walter and Elaine (Fuller) Willson. He was raised in Shell Rock and graduated from the Waverly-Shell Rock High School in 1963. He served in the United States Army in Korea and Vietnam from 1963 until being honorably discharged in 1969. On September 13, 1968, Hank was united in marriage to Rita Neal at the United Methodist Church in Shell Rock. Hank spent his entire life farming in Shell Rock; however, he also worked for a short time at Carnation in Waverly and for Shield Bantam in Waverly.

Hank was a member of the Avery Slight American Legion in Shell Rock. When Hank wasn't working, he was spending time with his family and helping others.

Hank's memory is honored by: his wife Rita Willson of Shell Rock; two sons, John (Julie) Willson of Shell Rock and Wayne (Karen) Willson of Fort Collins, Colorado; foster son, Jim (Sandy) Sharp of Aplington, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Brooke, Ben, Jacob, Abby, David, Lauren, and Maggie Willson; three step-grandchildren; and three and one-half great-grandchildren; sister, Lavon Grimes of Shell Rock; three brothers, James (Cheryl) Willson, Thomas (Rosemary) Willson and Daniel (Rebecca) Willson, all of Shell Rock.

Hank has been cremated, and a celebration of his life will be at a future date. Memorials may be sent in his name for later designation to the Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 126, Shell Rock, Iowa 50670. Online condolences may be left at www.kaisercorson.com, 319-885-4321.