Willard F. Hunzeker

Willard F. Hunzeker, 95, passed away November 13, 2016. Willard was born on April 6, 1921 to Herbert and Margaret Hunzeker. He graduated from Humboldt High School and attended Peru State College. Willard was called to serve the Army Air Force in 1942. His record of service is noteworthy. He flew 33 missions in the European Theatre as a navigator on B-24 bombers and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the air medal with 3 clusters for his service. He was a member of the 93rd Bomb Group, one of the most famous World War II aviation units. Upon his release from active duty, Willard completed his degree in Education and received his Masters Degree in School Administration. Willard had a 36 year career in education. He taught in Falls City, DuBois, and Endicott, and served as Superintendent of Schools in Daykin, Fullerton and his last 14 years in Wahoo, retiring in 1985. Community service was important to Willard. He served on the Saunders County Hospital Board, the Wahoo Public Library Board, was an active member of First Presbyterian Church and a member of the Wahoo Lions Club. In recognition of his service and leadership, Willard received the Melvin James Fellow award from the Wahoo Lions Club and was recently awarded the Charlie Divis Distinguished Service Award by the Wahoo Public Schools Foundation. Willard was preceded in death by his wife Marjorie. He is survived by children, Mark (Pam) Hunzeker of Lincoln and Julie (Roger) Pelster of Mead, grandchildren Dr. Christopher (Flora) Hunzeker, Shanna (Judah) Musick, Jake (Wendy) Rickard, Erik Rickard, and eight great grandchildren. Celebration of Life Memorial Services to be held at 11:00 on Monday, November 21 at First Presbyterian Church, 981 W. 15th Street, Wahoo. Visitation with family following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Wahoo Public Schools Foundation or Wahoo Lions Club.