Robert L. Willett

Robert L. Willett, age 90, passed away Saturday, May 20, 2017 at the Grinnell Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. Funeral Services: 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, May 24, 2017, Grace United Methodist Church, Brooklyn with Rev. Brent DeSilva officiating. Burial will be in the Brooklyn Memorial Cemetery, Brooklyn with military honors. Visitation: 4 to 7 P.M. Tuesday, May 23, 2017, Kloster Funeral Home, Brooklyn with a Masonic Service at 6 P.M. with the public invited. Memorials may be contributed to Grace United Methodist Church.

Robert is survived by a son, Mack Purdum and wife Mary of Montezuma; granddaughter Michelle Danker (Austin) of Belle Plaine, great grandchildren, Miles and Ryne Danker; a nephew David Willett of Brooklyn; and a sister-in-law Karen Willett of Brooklyn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Helen in 2010, a brother Ralph Willett and a stepson Duane Purdum.

Robert Laverne Willett was born September 3, 1926 in Grinnell, Iowa, the son of William Frederick Willett and Belva Brenneman Willett. He graduated from the Brooklyn High School with the Class of 1943. He served his country in the U.S. Army from December 18, 1944 until November 8, 1946, stationed in Japan. Robert and Helen Violet Purdum were united in marriage on June 19, 1965 at Grace United Methodist Church in Brooklyn. He farmed the family farm his entire life.

Robert was a member of the Poweshiek Masonic Lodge #174 for 56 years, serving as secretary for 25 years and initiated 110 men into the Lodge. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Brooklyn, and a past member of the Brooklyn American Legion Post 294. Robert enjoyed reading western novels especially Louis L’Amour books. He liked selling produce from his vegetable garden and was a wonderful carpenter and plumber.