Melvin Willnerd

Melvin M. Willnerd, currently of Billings, MT, passed away peacefully, Thursday morning, Jan. 22, at St. John's Nursing Home in Billings at the age of 93. He was born May 22, 1921, to Roy and Elin (Larson) Willnerd in Oakland, Nebraska. He attended country school in the Oakland area and farmed with his family until entering the Air Force in 1942. He served in the Air Force for 3 years as a mechanic and returned to farming in the Oakland area after honorable discharge. He married a single mother of 3 small children, Helen West Pechacek of Oakland in 1955. He became a father overnight and served his family to the best of his ability, making many personal sacrifices for their good. He taught many good life lessons by his character examples of caring for the land, his livestock, implements and neighbors, and family. He worked as a tractor and farm machinery mechanic in the winter months and enjoyed bowling, fishing, and in his younger years, pitching slow pitch softball. He always had a joke to tell, even in recent years. He could be found visiting with old or new friends wherever he might be. He taught his children to be a friend to those around them, to be self disciplined and have respect for authority. He and Helen retired to Fremont, Nebraska, enjoying 50 years together. He moved to Billings in 2009 and lived at St. Johns Chapel Court assisted living, and wing 4 of St John's Nursing Home where he made new friends and loved to play Bingo. He is survived by his 3 step children, Barbara Pechacek Ostrem (Kent), of Billings, John Pechacek of Denver, Colorado, Mary Pechacek Haas of Albury, NSW, Australia, his sister, Marilyn Titze of Phoenix, AZ, sister-in-law, Dorothy Willnerd of Hooper, Nebraska, 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, and his dear friend and caregiver, Mary Lynn Vogt of Fremont. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Helen and his brother, Elwyn, and brother-in-law, Bill Titze. The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the caring staff at St. John's Nursing Home, who made Mel's life full and happy in the last few years. Cremation has taken place and two memorial services will be held. The first will be at St John's Chapel Court, Ocee Johnson Chapel, 3940 Rimrock Road, Thursday, Jan. 29 at 3 pm. A second service will be Monday, February 23 at 10 am at First United Methodist Church, 815 North Broad St., Fremont Nebraska. Interment will be in Salem Cemetery near Oakland, Nebraska. If desired memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Home, 3940 Rimrock Rd Billings, MT 59102. Arrangements are by Dahl Funeral Chapel, Billings, and Dugan Funeral Chapel, Fremont, Nebraska. Memories may be shared at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com