Willis Olander Sr., 84

Willis Olander Sr., age 84, of St. Paul Park, died Wednesday morning, Feb. 6, at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis.

Willis Hensel Olander was born Jan. 11, 1929, in Valiska, Iowa, the son of Alfred and Anna (Hensel) Orlander. He was raised on the family farm in Cambridge. Willis worked for ISD for 10 years.

He loved helping people and will be remembered laughing, joking, and telling his tall tales. He enjoyed tinkering on the lawn mower, snow blower, and on cars.

Willis was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, and sisters.

He was the beloved husband of Shirley for 63 years; loving father of Cynthia Hodgin, Bo (Dianna), Jack (Danette); grandpa of Josh, Kristi, James, Ryan, Mikaela, Ren, David; uncle of Shirley Ann Olson; many other nieces and nephews.

Gathering 10-11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, with 11 a.m. memorial service, at Kok Funeral Home, 1201 Portland Ave., St. Paul Park. Urn placement at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

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