Leonard Wille

Leonard Jesse Wille, 89, of Jackson died Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, at his home.

He was born Sept. 28, 1929, in Tilsit to Jesse and Lulu Baer Wille. He and Mary Justina Unterreiner were married Aug. 12, 1947, at Immaculate Conception Church in Jackson, Missouri. She preceded him in death Jan. 17, 2011.

Leonard worked for Wagner's Bakery for 25 years. In 1970, he bought the bakery from the Wagners and opened Wille's Bakery, which he owned and operated until he retired in 2001.

He and his wife shared a love of dancing. He also loved to coach Little League baseball.

He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Tilsit.

Survivors include his two sons, Ralph (Evelyn) Wille and Leonard Mitchell Wille, both of Jackson; a daughter, Sharon (Merritt) Hamilton of Jackson; a son-in-law, Scott McNeely of Jackson; a brother, Clement (Verla) Wille of Jackson; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a daughter, Mary Catherine McNeely; a sister, Mildred Amelunke; a brother, Wilbur Friese; and a grandchild.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Jackson.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mark Boettcher officiating. Burial will be at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorial contributions may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tilsit.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.