Lyle Anthony “Tony” Willette, 79, of De Soto died June 5, 2017, at St. Anthony’s Medical Center in south St. Louis County. Mr. Willette was a supervisor for Micafil Electrical, and after retirement, he worked at the City Museum in St. Louis. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Born March 26, 1938, in Pierz, Minn., he was the son of the late Theodore and Theresa (Zimmerman) Willette.
He is survived by his wife: Judith “Judy” Ellen (Knox) Willette of De Soto; one son: Stephen Willette of Cambridge, Minn.; three daughters: Linda (Pete) Torres of Brownsville, Texas, Brenda (Robert) Anderson of Harris, Minn., and Diane (Christopher) Friend of Wyoming, Minn.; 12 siblings; Therese (Jerry) Degendorfer of Forrest Lake, Minn., Mary (the late Joe) Provost of Spring Lake Park, Minn., Ellen (Jody) Lance of Rock Creek, Minn., Bonita (Steve) Ouverson of Stanchfield, Minn., Susan Willette of Coon Rapids, Minn., James (Sandy) Willette of Chicago City, Minn., Thomas (Claudine) Willette of Bonne Terre, Tim (Debbie) Willette of Sullivan, Robert (Darlene) Willette of Staples, Minn., Daniel (Janet) Willette of Verndale, Minn., Gerard (Charlene) Willette of Rockford, Minn., and Michael Willette of Milaca, Minn.; 10 grandchildren: Kyle, Alexandra and Sabrina Willette, Pete Torres Jr., Amber (Jason) Mummert, Savannah (Matt) Coleman, Tabatha (Tyler) Anderson, Timothy (Liz) Anderson, Stephanie (Jesse) Lapinski and Valarie Friend; seven great-grandchildren: Sawyer, Riley, Jocelyn, Jaden, Payton, Larae and Brooklyn; and three sisters-in-law: Liz, Jeanie and Sue.
He was preceded in death by one sister: Kathleen (Bill) Rivard; and three brothers: Ted, Mark and Greg Willette.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the funeral at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, at Fish Lake Lutheran Church in Harris, Minn., officiated by the Rev. Douglas Willette. Burial will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.