Willard Gums

Willard F. Gums, 93, of Weston, formerly of Shawano, passed away Friday, April 26th 2013, under the care of AseraCare Hospice, at Care Partners, in Weston.

Willard was born on September 17th 1919, in Wausau, to the late Henry and Clara (Schoepke) Gums. He graduated from Wausau Senior High School in 1939. On June 6th 1945, he married Bernice Weber at St. John's Lutheran Church, in the town of Easton. The couple lived in their home on Shawano Lake for over 50 years. Bernice preceded him in death on October 29th 2003. Willard was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, in Shawano, serving as the chairman of lay ministries and on the evangelism board. He moved to Renaissance, in Weston, in 2008. He then became a member once again of his home church, St. John's Lutheran Church, in the town of Easton. In early 2011, he moved to Care Partners, in Weston.

In 1945, Willard started his employment with Badger and Midwest Breeders of Shawano, as a sales and service technician. Many 4-H participants appreciated Willard taking pictures of their calves at county fairs across the state. He also worked in the public relations department before becoming an official member of the Genetic Division in 1967. His primary responsibility was as a mating appraisal specialist in Midwest's Mating Appraisal for Profit (MAP) corrective mating program. He was chosen as a member of the Dairy Shrine Club.

He enjoyed the November deer hunt and his days on the golf course. In 1978, at Golden Sands Golf Course, in Cecil, he had a 'hole-in-one'. He enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and rarely missed hearing a game. He proudly shared his birthdate with the signing of the charter of the Packer's organization.

Willard is survived by three sisters-in-law, Ruth Schmieden, Wausau, Delores Weber, Schofield, and Joan (David) Walters, Harshaw, WI. Nieces and a nephew also survive Willard. In addition to his parents and wife, Bernice, Willard was preceded in death by his sister, two brothers, and their spouses, Genevieve (Ralph) Bennett, Louis (Adella) Gums, and Palmer (Edna) Gums; two brothers-in-law, Lylas Schmieden and Victor Weber; and two nephews.

Funeral services for Willard will take place at 11 a.m., Monday, April 29th, at St. John's Lutheran Church, town of Easton. Reverend Timothy Coppersmith will officiate. Burial will take place in St. John's Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at church, on Monday, beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of service.

The family would like to especially thank the staff members at Care Partners and AseraCare Hospice for the compassion, care, and friendship shown to Willard.