Willard Young

Willard Aldan Young, age 100, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, surrounded by his family at Dove Healthcare-West in Eau Claire.

Willard was born on November 27, 1924, in Eau Claire to Roy A. and Emma M. Young. He married the love of his life, Gloria J. Anderson, on December 8, 1951. They shared 56 wonderful years of marriage before Gloria's passing. Willard was also preceded in death by his parents and his sister, June Young Mock.

He is survived by his three children: Amy (Jim) Deuble of Evergreen, CO; Wendy (Dennis) Woods of Apple Valley, MN; and Steven (Yasmin) Young of Evergreen, CO. He is further survived by his beloved grandchildren: David and Aleda Deuble, Kyle and Corey Woods, and Maya and Amelia Young. Along with nieces, a nephew, and special friends and neighbors.

Willard graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1942. He attended Eau Claire Teachers College for two years before transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a B.B.A. degree in June 1949 with a major in accounting and a minor in political science.

Willard proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II from 1943-1946, spending two years overseas with the Pacific Fleet and attaining the rank of Petty Officer, First Class.

Following his service, Willard built a distinguished career in accounting and management. He worked as an accountant and controller for WH Hobbs Supply Company from 1949 to 1968, then joined MacKenzie Equipment Company, Inc. as controller until the company was sold to Ziegler Incorporated in 1973. He continued with Ziegler as controller and Western Wisconsin Manager of three branches until his retirement in 1997. Never one to sit still, Willard went on to start a material-handling company, Northwest Material Handling Company, in 1997 and founded Chippewa Bookkeeping Service and Taxes in Chippewa Falls in 1992.

Willard came from a proud Masonic family. He was raised a Master Mason in Eau Claire Lodge No. 112, F. & A.M., in 1946 by his father. He was a member of Eau Claire Chapter No. 36, R.A.M., where he served as High Priest and Treasurer; a member of Chippewa Council No. 25, R. & S.M.; and a member of Eau Claire Commandery No. 9, K.T., where he served as Commander from 1954-1955 and 1987-1989. His Masonic affiliations also included the Scottish Rite, Valley of Eau Claire; Tripoli Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S.; Western Wisconsin York Rite College No. 85; Chippewa Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine; Past Dad of Eau Claire Chapter Order of DeMolay; and the DeMolay Legion of Honor.

Willard's greatest joys in life were simple and heartfelt: fishing, playing golf with his grandchildren, and cheering on his favorite teams-the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers (football and basketball) and the Milwaukee Brewers.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate teams at Dove Healthcare-West in Eau Claire, Dove Healthcare-South in Eau Claire, LakeHouse Assisted Living in Chippewa Falls and Interim Healthcare-Hospice in Eau Claire for their exceptional care.

A Masonic Service will be held at 10:00 a.m followed by a Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on January 3, 2026, at Hope Methodist Church in Eau Claire. A reception will follow the service at the church. Interment will be private at Evergreen Cemetery in Elk Mound.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Willard's honor to Hope Methodist Church or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel & Crematory and Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona are assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.