Willard Wayne Dannehl

Funeral services for Willard W. Dannehl will be conducted from St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bertrand, NE on Tuesday, May 24th, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Timothy Runtsch, officiating.

Interment will be in the Highland Cemetery at Bertrand.

Willard Wayne Dannehl, 82 years of age, of Bertrand, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 19th, 2011 at the Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege, NE. Willard was born on February 8th, 1929 on the family farm southwest of Bertrand, the eldest of two sons born to Elmer and Emma (Ebmeier) Dannehl. He attended school in Bertrand, graduating with the Bertrand Class of 1946.


Willard was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church where he was a member. He served on the church board and held several offices, including Elder and Chairman. He knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior and trusted in Him alone for salvation.

On June 15th, 1958, Willard married Janet Claire Lentz at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Coleridge, NE. To this union four children were born: Mark Stefan, Verlyne Rene, Ann Nadine, and Calvin Wayne. In 2008 Willard and Janet celebrated their 50th anniversary.

Willard engaged in farming for most of his life. He served on the local Co-op Board as a member and President. In addition to farming, Willard enjoyed traveling with Janet, especially European tours and the reunions with acquaintances made on these trips. He also enjoyed many trips to Branson. They enjoyed time spent at their cabin at Johnson Lake, entertaining family and friends, as well as playing cards with friends and neighbors. One of Willard's greatest treasures was being with his children and grandchildren.


He is survived by his wife, Janet, of Bertrand; four children: Mark Dannehl and his wife, Sonya of Bertrand, Verlyne Grasz and her husband, Steve of Elkhorn, Ann Runtsch and her husband, Tim of Ft. Collins, CO and Calvin Dannehl and his wife, Sandy of Bertrand; twelve grandchildren: Craig Dannehl, Adam Dannehl, Caylen Grasz, Ethan Dannehl, Nathan Grasz, Emma Dannehl, Jackson Grasz, Sarah Dannehl, Aubrey Grasz, Jennica Dannehl, Elisa Runtsch and Micah Runtsch; one brother, LaVern and his wife, Pat of Bertrand; sister-in-law, Dorothy Cull and her husband, Leigh of Wayne, NE; brothers-in-law: Roland Lentz of Wayne and Gary Lentz and his wife, Carolyn of Guelph, Canada; one niece and five nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Willard was loved by his wife, children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed. His family rejoices that he is now in the presence of His Lord.

Visitation will be held at the Sandstrom Funeral Home in Bertrand on Monday, May 23rd, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family present from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

A memorial has been established in his memory and will be designated at a later date.

The Sandstrom Funeral Home in Bertrand is in charge of the arrangements.