Obituary of Willis Van Roekel

   Corsica - Willis Van Roekel, 89, died at Avera St. Benedict Hospital in Parkston on Sunday, October 4, 2020. There will be an immediate family private ceremony on Saturday, October 10, 2020.

   Willis Van Roekel was born on July 24, 1931 to Henry and Anna (Ernissee) Van Roekel in Timber Lake, SD. In 1935, the family moved to Corsica, SD where they farmed. At the age of 16, Willis made profession of faith at Grace Reformed Church in Corsica, where he served both as elder and deacon. He entered the U.S. Army on February 12, 1952 and was honorably discharged on January 23, 1954. He was a member of the Corsica American Legion. He married Goldie Bakker in Chandler, MN. Willis worked full time as a mechanic for Menning Implement and the last 17 years before retiring, he worked for Douglas County Highway Department. Willis' faith and family were most important to him. In retirement, he enjoyed little jobs for a farmer or friend, activities his grandchildren participated in, attending DWU basketball games and walking every day for many years. Willis died at Avera St. Benedict Hospital in Parkston on Sunday, October 4, 2020 at the age of 89. 

   He is survived by his wife: Goldie of Corsica, SD; children and their families: Holly (Jerry) Burns and their children, Michael (Katie) and child, Emmett, Justin and David; David (Char) Van Roekel and their children, Liam, Josiah, and Isaac; and Karen (Aaron) Van Holland and their children, Brady, Faith, and Will; sister-in-law: Marge Van Roekel; brother: Harold (Marion) Van Roekel; and many nieces and nephews. 

   He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Joe (Judy) Van Roekel, Garion Van Roekel, John (Leona) Van Roekel, sisters, Jeanette (Al( Ligtenberg, Arlene (Mel Hamburg and Lawrence Browen), and Maryann (Eugene) Van Zee.