Willard "Willie"

L. Van Buren Sr.

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Ashland — Willard "Willie
 Leo Van Buren Sr., 89, of Ashland, died Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at Methodist Hospital in Omaha.

Visitation was held Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 at Reichmuth Funeral Home in Elkhorn.

Graveside services were held Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 at Hollst Lawn Cemetery in rural Yutan.

Memorials may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation in Willie's name.

Willard was born Feb. 3, 1935, in Verdigre to Ralph Lloyd and Gertrude Jane (Benedict) Van Buren. 

Willie grew up around O'Neill and Spencer and as a young man he raced demolition and stock cars. 

Willie made his home in Valley and more recently lived near Ashland.  

He was blessed with six children in his life Cyndy, Willie Jr., Tim, Bev, Roger and Wendy.

Willie was a hard worker, and he will be remembered as a strong, determined and stubborn man.  

He liked listening to country music and watching old Westerns.  

He helped build the Fort Randall Dam in South Dakota, drove a truck for Buckle's Trucking and worked for SMS as a diesel mechanic. He then started his own trucking company, V & P Diesel, and later owned Willie's Bar in Valley.  

He could often be found fishing, camping or air boating, and was known to firmly say, “I'll tell you one thing…” (with a finger tapping the table).

Willie passed away at Methodist Hospital in Omaha on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at the age of 89 years, 8 months and 23 days.  

Willie is survived by his six children Cyndy (Mike) Ellermeier, Willard Jr. (Babbett) Van Buren, Timothy Sr. (Vicki) Van Buren, Beverly Stepusin, Roger (Robin) Van Buren and Wendy (James) Jeffrey; 20 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; his twin sister Wilma Buckles; and special friend Shirlee White.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Gertrude and four siblings Marvella, Ralph Jr., Ervin and Don.                                  

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