Willard Henry VerMeer was born on October 10, 1924 in Pella, Iowa. He was the son of Henry and Nettie(Bogaard)VerMeer. Willard grew up on the Muchakinock Farm northest of Pella with his parents and two siblings, Earl Nickolas and Pauline. He attended Planinview Country School and Pella Christian High School. With his brother enlisting in the Army in 1941, Willard stayed home and tended the family farm, which would become his upon the death of his father. He would operate the farm for several decades, using downtimes to drive trucks for Peoria Stockyards. After his days in high school were over, he met Lora Ruth Klyn and their courtship would result in their marriage on September 4, 1946. Willard and Ruth had two children early in their marriage, Kent Henry in 1949 and Sandra Lynn in 1953. A third would come over sixteen years later, Spencer Will in 1969. After health issues would force him off the family farm, Willard, Ruth and Spencer would move into Pella in 1977 where he would enjoy retirement. Willard passed away Sunday evening, September 18, 2011, less than one month from his 87th birthday at the Pleasant Care Living Center in Pleasantville, Iowa. His family includes his wife of 65 years, Ruth VerMeer, three children, two grandchildren, and two great-grand childdren: Kent H. and Virginia Vermeer of Punta Gorda, Florida, Matthew R. and Jodi Vermeer, Tyler and Grace Vermeer, Sandra L. Vermeeer of Pella, Iowa, Lily K. Vermeer. Also survivng are his sister-in-law, Etta J.(Earl)Vermeer, a brother-in-law, Paul Klyn and his wife, Joan and a sister-in-law, Dorothy(Klyn)Renaud all of Pella; along with several nieces and nephew. Willard was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Nettie Vermeer, His sister, Pauline and her husband, Dr. Nick Jelles, his brother, Earl N. Vermeer who passed away only twelve days before Willard and a brother-in-law, Alfred Renaud. Willard enjoyed bowling, golf, and traveling during his time of retirement, and also was a stalwart of the morning coffee bunch in several places, some of which were Verrip's, Dubit's, Hardee's, McDonald's, and HyVee. He was a lifetime member of First Christian Reformed Church of Pella. Willard is remembered as a quiet man, a loving husband and father. He spoke when he had something to say, whether it be a reprimand for one of his children or a humorous statement that would put everything in perspective. Willard loved to laugh, and can now enjoy an eternity of laughter in his new heavenly home.

Memorial services will be held, Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 1:30 pm at the First Christian Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa. Inurnment will be made in the Oakwood Cemetery in Pella, Iowa at a later date. Visitation will coincide with the memorial service on Thursday at the First Christian Reformed Church. Memorials may be designated for the Pella Christian Grade School in Pella, Iowa.