Willard H. Kumm, 88, of Bonduel, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014. Willard was born on Aug. 4, 1926, in the town of Washington to the late William F. and Emma (Milis) Kumm. He received his education at Lakeview Grade School and Shawano High School. Willard was united in marriage on March 18, 1950, to Doris Mae Naumann, who preceded him in death on March 28, 1996. Willard worked a few years on the family farm and then went on to work at Shawano Engineering and Four Wheel Drive in Clintonville for a few years before starting at Bonduel Telephone Company, where he worked for 36½ years before retiring March 31, 1990. He was a member of the Federation of Musicians. His main hobby was playing the tenor saxophone with dance combos. He played with Rueben Schwartz Orchestra, Chester Schardt, Gene Hoppe, Kumm’s Kumbo, Delbert Zuleger Band, Leonard Wolf and about 20 years with the Hugo Delzer Band. Willard was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in the town of Washington, where he served as church secretary for over 40 years.
Willard is survived by his children, Judy Meyer, of Shawano, Joan (Lester) Radloff, of Bonduel, Donna (Brian) Thorstad, of Hastings, Minnesota, and Dawn (Jon) Wesenberg, of Shawano; his grandchildren, Jason (Laurie) Meyer, Jessica (James) Lederer, Joshua Meyer, Jesse (Jacquie) Thorstad, Jennifer Anker, Emma Kumm, Derek Wesenberg, Janell Wesenberg and Deedra Wesenberg; his step-grandchildren, Nathan and Steve Hidde; grandchildren, Alex Meyer, Andrew Lederer, Lucas Anker, Elijah Thorstad and Ari Thorstad; his step-great-grandchildren, Brittany and Samantha Pizzino. He is further survived by his special friend, Marge Bleick and her family.
Willard is preceded in death by his wife, Doris Kumm; his son, James Kumm; his parents, William and Emma; and his sister, Ruth C. Kumm.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in the town of Washington with the Rev. Steven Pockat officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at Swedberg-Wendt Funeral Home in Bonduel on Monday, Dec. 1, 2014, from 4-8 p.m. and again at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.