Willard A. Bird

Willard Albert Bird, age 82 of Henderson, died Monday, December 30, 2019 at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Mankato. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at St. Paul’s U.C.C. in Henderson with Rev. Deb Meyer officiating.  Visitation will be 2 hours prior to service time at the church.  Interment will be in Brown Cemetery, Henderson.

Willard was born on February 22, 1937 in Henderson to Edward and Anna (Fries) Bird.  He married Elverda Otto on October 1, 1955 at Centennial Lutheran Church in Henderson.  In his younger years he worked at Kasota Stone, and then went to work for the school in Henderson.  He had worked as the head custodian in the Le Sueur-Henderson school district for 35 years, retiring in 2010.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, and going to the casino.

Willard is survived by his children, Marcella (Francis) Bartz of Le Sueur, Cindy (Larry) Hoppe of Le Sueur, Kevin (fiancée, Linda Piotter) Bird of Henderson, and Ardella (Steve) Friezen of Arlington; granddaughters, Deanna (special friend, Chad Hoeper) Hoppe and Bekah (Adam) Wick; brother, Paul (Sharon) Bird of Arlington; and sister, Sharon Otto of Le Sueur.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Elverda in 2013; a baby girl; son-in-law, Hans Ronning; and siblings.