John Willms, 77
John Joseph Willms, 77, Red Oak, passed away Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at his residence after a brief illness.
John was born June 5, 1948, in Omaha, Neb., the son of Orville and Ruth (O’Keefe) Willms. He was raised in the Boys Town area of Omaha and moved to Red Oak where he graduated in 1967. He served in the U.S. Air Force for four years and moved back to southwest Iowa. Upon his return from service, John attended a technical school in Omaha enrolled in the Heating, Air, and Refrigeration program.
John was united in marriage to Yvonne Frederick on June 22, 1974, in Papillion, Neb. Over the years, John worked at Montgomery Ward in Atlantic as a service technician and Walnut Grove Research Farm before moving to the farm in Red Oak, where the family resides today. He raised corn, soybeans, cattle and hogs. At age 62, John received his associate degree in business management. John was a member of the Farm Bureau, Mills Montgomery County Cattleman, ISU Extension Council, St. Mary’s Church, St. Mary’s Church Council and the Knights of Columbus.
Preceding him in death were his parents; sister, Mary Willms; and nieces, Katherine and Elizabeth Willms.
Survivors include his wife, Yvonne Willms of Red Oak; sons, Matthew Reyna-Willms and wife Linda of Clarinda, and Eli Willms of Omaha, Neb.; grandchildren, Isabel Sunderman of Shenandoah; Ian and Lillian Reyna-Willms of Clarinda; and Viviene and Charlie Willms of Omaha, Neb.; step-grandson, Jonathan Bush of Omaha, Neb.; brother, Grant Willms and wife Monica of Omaha, Neb.; sisters, Susan Frost of Sterling, Ill.; and Sandy Stone of Arvada, Colo.; brothers-in-law, George Frederick of Lincoln, Neb.; and Ken Frederick and wife Sharon of Parker, Colo.; and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with burial to be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery. Rosary will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel with visitation to follow until 7 p.m.. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the Knights of Columbus.
LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.