Twila Marjorie Whiteman Will of Wausau, WI passed Dec. 31, 2017 at Eastview Nursing Home in Antigo, WI. She was born October 27, 1920 in Broken Bow, NE, the daughter of Harvey and Nellie Whiteman. After graduation from Broken Bow High School she continued her schooling in Kearney, NE earning her teaching certificate. During a summer baseball game, she met Arnold Will of Ringle, WI while he was stationed at Fort Kearney. They were married November 25, 1943 in Seward, NE. Arnold passed October 31, 1978. They had four children; Alan (Carolyn) Will, Randolf Lee Will, Deborah (Jerome) Warpehoski and Althea Schaepe. Also surviving are grandchildren Charles (Nancy Shore) Warpehoski and great-grandchildren, Camille and Oren; Ann (Andy) Radil and great-grandson, Henry; Jennifer (Noah) Warpehoski-Fulcher and great-granddaughter Adiah; and Jason (Jodi) Preiss and great-granddaughters Jordan and Jaylee.
After moving to Wisconsin, she taught in K through 8, one room schools through the late 50’s. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Wisconsin State College in Stevens Point in 1964 and her Master’s Degree from UW Eau Claire in 1968 while raising her family. She taught Special Education in Edgar for several years and retired from the Merrill School district in 1985.
She travelled extensively in the US, Canada and Mexico and took two trips to Europe. While travelling in the US, she pursued genealogy and found ancestors who had fought in the Revolutionary War and was proud to be active in the Wisconsin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting and crocheting and visiting her family.
The funeral service for Twila will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 5, 2018 at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau. Pastor Glenn Seefeldt will be officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home on Friday. Committal will be at Restlawn Memorial Park. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Prairie River Middle School Library (106 Polk Street, Merrill, WI 54452), the DAR National Library (www.dar.org/donatenow) or a local library of your choice.
A heartfelt word of appreciation goes to the nurses and staff of LeRoyer Hospice Care and the staff of the former Crandon Nursing Home for their compassionate care.