John Willis

John Willis, age 72, of Columbus, died Sunday, August 2, 2020 in Lincoln.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Isidore's Catholic Church in Columbus.  Visitation, without the family present, is Wednesday from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. at McKown Funeral Home.  The Vigil service will be at 7:00 pm Wednesday at McKown Funeral Home.  Visitation will continue from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church. Military Honors will be provided by Hartman Post #84 American Legion Honor Guard. All regulations regarding mass gatherings will be observed.  Both Mass and the Vigil service will be broadcast live on the McKown Funeral Home Facebook page. Casual dress is requested.  Everyone is invited to a luncheon at the VFW following the services at the Church.

In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials are suggested to VFW Post 3704.

John Allen Willis was born to Lester and Evelyn (Grassman) Willis on June 9, 1948, in Richland Center, Wisconsin.

While in high school, John and several close friends joined a band where he played the drums for The Panics and later The Mob. After John graduated from Columbus High School in 1966, he joined the Marine Corp. where he served in the Vietnam War 1966-1969 before returning to Columbus. John graduated from Central Community College and worked for Reed Veach Wurdeman and NPPD until he retired in 2011. On April 16, 1971, John was united in marriage to Joan Coufal.

John enjoyed playing softball and billiards and was a member of VFW. John was an avid Snoopy fan, faithfully followed his grandchildren's activities, made salsa every summer, loved music, and getting together with friends. John also looked forward to Saturday breakfast outings at various locations. After John retired, he spent his time driving for Ernst Auto as well as volunteering to drive veterans to their medical appointments. John was also a long-time blood donor.  John was someone you could always count on and was always ready to lend a hand. John was a loyal friend.

Survived by:
Wife Joan
Daughter Nikki (Kurt) Sander, Trenton and Madysen-Lincoln, NE
Son Derek (Ronni) Willis, Kyle and Aubrey-Columbus, NE
Sister Betsy (Joe) Willis-Heskew
Numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by:
Parents Les and Evelyn Willis
Father-in-Law and Mother-in-Law Frank and Lois Coufal
Grandparents, aunts, uncles