Jerry Guy Willits, age 91, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025. Jerry was born to Guy and Ruth Willits in Albert Lea, Minnesota, on October 1, 1933, in their home.
Jerry (Snook) graduated in 1952 from Albert Lea High School. He treasured lifetime friendships with many of his classmates. He also attended college in Marshalltown, Iowa, and took several courses at the University of Minnesota. He served two years in the Army during the Korean Conflict.
Jerry was married for 71 years to the love of his life Patricia Wolff. They raised five children that they loved dearly. He was proud of each for their talents and the lives they led.
Jerry had a 35-year career at 3M where he worked in research and development in several departments. He had many fond memories and stories he shared about the friendships he developed over his career.
Jerry and Pat left St. Paul, Minnesota, over 40 years ago to live in the country outside of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. After retiring, Jerry served on the Sterling Town board, the Polk County board, and the Cushing Fire Department as a clerk and treasurer. He was an active member in the Taylors Falls Methodist Church.
Jerry had a great sense of humor and loved to tell stories. He loved playing baseball in his younger years and watching baseball players of all ages. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and roaming the countryside.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Willits; children, Vicky Sarner, Guy Willits (Mary), Kathy Westlin (Dennis), Robert Willits (Tracey) and Angie Denotter (Dale); 13 grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; nephews, Keith Olson, Ty Olson and Jon Lamoreux; nieces, Ceclia Fahl, Pat Moore, Mary Jo Nelson, Julie Nelson, Liz Paskey, and Jenny Vanderford. He was preceeded in death by his parents, Guy and Ruth Willits; sisters, Marie Lamoreux and Faye Olson; and nephew, Charles Lamoreux.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, June 6, at Cremation Society of Minnesota, 1979 Old Hudson Road, Saint Paul, MN. Visitation at 4 p.m., service at 5 p.m., with reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to: United Methodist Church Taylors Falls Angel Hill Historic District, 290 Government St. PO Box 241 Taylors Falls, Minnesota 55984.
