Willard J. Speck

Willard J. Speck, age 98, of St. Henry, died on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at The Gardens at St. Henry.  He was born March 23, 1922 in St. Henry to the late William & Catherine (Schmitmeyer) Speck.  On November 20, 1946 he married Thelma (Marshal) Speck, and she died April 14,  2015.  Willard is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Vicki & Eric Koesters of St. Henry and his four grandchildren, Ross & Brittney, Meghan, Damon, and Garrett, his great grandson Nolan, and his sister Delma Rammel.

In addition to his wife and parents, Willard is preceded in death by his step-mother Catherine (Wenning) Speck, and a brother-in-law Fred Rammel.

He was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church, St. Henry.  Willard proudly served his country in the Marines during WWII, and he was a Charter and Lifetime Member of the St. Henry American Legion Post 648 for 75 years.  He was a member of the Moose, the Eagles and the VFW in Coldwater.  He was formerly employed at Minster Machine and was a member of their 25-Year Club.  Willard enjoyed dancing with his wife Thelma, and they were members of the Ohio Polka Boosters.  Willard and his wife of 68 years enjoyed camping and playing cards.  He was most proud of his four grandchildren and his great-grandchild.

Due to COVID-19 a private family Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at St. Henry Church, St. Henry with live stream at https://sthenrycluster.com/livestream/ . Burial with military honors will follow in St. Henry Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Activity fund at the Gardens at St. Henry, or the St. Henry American Legion Post 648. Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.