Harry Willmott

Harry William Willmott, age 79, of Austin, MN, passed away peacefully on August 18th, 2017, after a courageous six-year battle with lung cancer. Harry was born on December 12th, 1937, in Watertown, SD, to Harry Thomas and Mary Ellen (Smith) Willmott, the fifth of eleven children. He graduated from White High School (White, SD) in 1955 and ran the family farm for five years. After working in Alaska, he attended South Dakota State University and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1966. Harry worked for McDonnell Douglas (St. Louis, MO) from 1966-1970, L.E. Myers Co. (Marshalltown, IA) from 1970 to 1973, and Hormel Foods (Austin, MN) from 1973-2000, retiring in 2000. Harry married Delores Ellis (Painter) in 1965 and adopted her son Rick. They had four additional children, Doug, twins Lori & Larry, and Charles (Chuck). He was widowed in 1987 and later married Brenda Copley (Kirchner) in 2007. Harry had a passion for the great outdoors and supported many conservation organizations. His love for hunting, fishing and watching Minnesota sports teams was shared with his children, family and friends. From construction projects to home repair, Harry could fix just about anything. You always got the “straight answer” from Harry and if you disagreed he was happy to explain why/how you were misinformed. Later in life, he cultivated new passions, playing tennis and golf. He enjoyed studying, practicing and playing the game, and occasionally taking a few dollars from his competition along the way. He enjoyed traveling and spending part of the winter in Palm Desert, CA, relaxing with friends and enhancing his golf game. Harry cherished hosting family events and his Roman Catholic faith. He touched many lives with his generosity. His bigger than life personality was a blessing and will truly be missed. Harry is preceded in death by his parents, wife Delores, sisters, Ellen Dempsey, Myrna McCulloch, Mary Ann Radermacher, Janice Buechler, Kathy Gilfillan, brothers S. Tom Willmott, Charles Willmott. Harry is survived by his wife Brenda Willmott, Austin, children Rick (Connie) Willmott, Platte, SD, Doug Willmott, Glen Mills, PA, Lori Willmott, Rapid City, SD, Larry (Sarah) Willmott, Rosemount, MN, Chuck (Colleen) Willmott, Indianola, IA; brother Ray Willmott, Owatonna, MN, sisters Patricia Landsman, Elkton, SD, Carol Covrig, Brookings, SD, 10 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 3-6pm on Tuesday, August 22, at Mayer Funeral Home in Austin, with a prayer service at 5:30pm lead by Deacon John Kluczny, followed by a celebration of life gathering at the Austin Country Club (6:30pm). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 PM with Visitation one hour prior, on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Brookings, SD, with Father Terry Anderson officiating supported by Deacon John Kluczny. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, White, SD followed by a luncheon at the McKnight Community Center in White, SD. In lieu of flowers donations preferred to St. Augustine Catholic Church in Harry’s name.

Service Information

Cemetery

Fariview

White SD 57276

Visitation

Tuesday, August 22 2017
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Mayer Funeral Home
600 2nd Street NW
Austin MN 55912

Service

Wednesday, August 23 2017
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

St. Thomas More Catholic Church
1700 8th Street South
Brookings SD 57006