Willis "Whitey" Lohmeier

Whitey died September 16, 2008 at Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines.VisitationFriday, September 19, 2008, 5 - 8 pmPrayer Service 7:30 pmHamilton's Southtown Funeral HomeDes MoinesFuneral ServiceSaturday, September 20, 2008, 10:30 amHoly Cross Lutheran Church, CarlisleGraveside Service and Interment with military honors -- Saturday, September 20, 2008, 2:30 pmManning American Legion and VFWManning Cemetery,Manning

Willis, son of Henry and Minnie (Rostermundt) Lohmeier, was born August 16, 1929, in Manning.  Willis graduated from Manning High School in 1948 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  He served in the submarine service during the Korean War.  He and Marilyn were married August 12, 1962, at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning.  After nine years in the Navy, he enlisted in the Air Force and retired in 1971 as a TSgt.  His career included boxing in high school and during his military service.  In 1992 he retired from the Post Office in Des Moines.   Willis was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Des Moines for 41 years and recently transferred to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Carlisle.  He had been a resident of Carlisle Care Center since February, 2008. He was also a member of the VFW in Manning.  His lifes interest included gardening, fishing and playing cards with his grandchildren. Willis will be remembered for his humor.   Preceding him in death are his parents, Henry and Minnie; three brothers, Ray, Amos, and Alvin Lohmeier; and two sisters, Velma Weber and Bernice Hobbs.   Willis is survived by his wife Marilyn of Des Moines and daughters Nancy (Jeff) Allison of Roland, Arkansas, and Lori (Giovanni) Leo of Des Moines; grandchildren Anthony, Adriano, Alessandra and Annamaria Leo and Jeni and Sarah Allison; sisters Ruby Rose of Anoka, Minnesota, and La Vonne Watters of Lake City; and many nieces and nephews.       Casket bearers will be Dan Lohmeier, Jerry Lohmeier, Giovanni John? Leo, Jeff Allison, Alan Atwell and Harry Trowbridge.  Honorary casket bearers will be LeRoy Albertson, Anthony Leo, Randy Lohmeier, Mark Rose, Mike Rose and Phil Hunt.   Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church.  The family greatly extends appreciation to Taylor Hospice House, the VA Hospital and Rev. Johnson.