Walter Willson

St. Charles, Walter L. "Jim" Willson, 86, of St. Charles died Tuesday January 1, 2008 at his home. Jim was born July 25, 1921 in Elma, Iowa, to Walter and Elfia (Urban) Willson. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II, stationed in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. In 1946 Jim married Grace Skordahl. In 1948 the couple moved to St. Charles where he worked as a plumber for St. Charles Hardware. He later became the owner of St. Charles Plumbing and Heating. Jim was a 22 year member of the St. Charles Fire Department, a Scout Master for two years, served on the St. Charles City Council for six years. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church of St. Charles and the St. Charles American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts. Survivors include his wife Grace, three sons; Steve (Carolyn) Willson, Bruce (Jeanne) Willson and Dean (Diana) Willson, a daughter Pat (Phillip) Balsama of Pleasanton, CA, four grandchildren, two sisters, Joyce Moir of Everette, WA and Norleen Folsum of San Diego, CA. He was preceded in death by a brother. Memorial Services will be 2PM Friday at Hoff Funeral Home in St. Charles with The Reverend Gerald Melby officiating. Burial will be in the spring at Hillside Cemetery in St. Charles. Friends may call from noon until time of services on Friday at the funeral home. Please share a memory of Jim at his on-line guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.
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