Cyril W Willard

Cyril Winfred “Win” Willard, 103, of Manito died Tuesday evening, February 25, 2025, at Hopedale Nursing Home.

Win was born October 11,1921 in Manito to C.B. and Bessie (Vice) Willard. He and Verla Scherer of Pekin were married on January 12, 1947, by Reverend Lester Kuker at St. John’s Lutheran Church (Sand Prairie), Green Valley. Pastor Kuker confirmed Winfred at the church on January 19, 1947. Verla preceded Win in death in 2010. Surviving Win are one son Calvin (Martha) Willard of Manito, three daughters Linda (John) Bobbitt of Murfreesboro, TN, Joanne and Karen Willard of Rochester, IL, three grandsons, one granddaughter, five great-grandsons and numerous nieces and nephews along with their spouses. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, sister, and one niece.
Win graduated in 1939 from Manito High School. From November 1942 to January 1946, Win served in the United States Army during World War II attaining the rank of Tec 4 SGT. He served in General Patton’s Third Army in the Battles of Ardennes, Rhineland, the Bulge, and Central Europe campaigns with the 11th Armored Division, 151st Armored Signal Company. His military decorations and citations included two Over Seas Service Bars; one Service Stripe; the American Campaign Medal; the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Battle Stars; the Good Conduct Medal; and the World War II Victory Medal. He was a Charter Member of the Hill-Palmer American Legion Post 561 of Manito.
Win worked as an Office Clerk for Leifheit Brothers Lumber Company in Manito from 1940-1962 minus the 38 months of Army service. In 1963 he was hired by People’s State Bank in Manito as a Bank Teller and continued regular employment with the bank retiring in 1986 as an Assistant Cashier. Win also served 39 years as Manito Village Clerk from 1946-1985. He was a Forman School Board member and a member of the Mason County Farm Bureau. Win was a voting member of St. John’s Lutheran Church (Sand Prairie) and held several officer positions within the church.
Win was an avid bowler and horseshoe pitcher. He was a member of the American Bowling Congress for over 50 years and in 1982 inducted into the Greater Pekin Bowling Association Hall of Fame. Win was also a member of the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association for 40 plus years. In 1999 he was elected to the Illinois Horseshoe Pitchers Hall of Fame. Win successfully competed in many weekly leagues and state and national tournaments in both sports receiving many awards and championships. He especially teamed with his brother George to bowl together in many of the past Peoria Journal Star Brothers Bowling Tournaments which were held annually. Later in his life, Win also participated in the Heart of Illinois Senior Olympics receiving many gold medals in different sport events.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 3 at 11am at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Sand Prairie Township, Green Valley with burial following at the nearby Sand Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church (Sand Prairie) or to the Hill-Palmer American Legion Post 561 of Manito.
Maas-Hurley Funeral Home in Manito oversees arrangements.