Gerhard Henry "Gary" Willms

November 24, 1922 - March 01, 2012

Gerhard Henry "Gary" Willms Obituary (Age 89) Gerhard "Gary" died peacefully in his Spokane home on March 1, 2012. Gary was born on November 24 (or November 25; no one was ever certain which) 1922 in Leigh, Nebraska to Henry Willms and Anna Lonski Willms. The later moved to West Point, Nebraska where Gary attended and graduated from Guardian Angels School. Gary joined the Army in 1943, serving in the 10th Mountain Division at the time of it's inception and during that unit's actions in the Mt. Belvedere campaign in northern Italy, receiving a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for valor. While assigned to Fort George Wright in Spokane, WA after WWII, Gary met and married Virginia Moylan. Gary re-enlisted in the Air Force and traveled the world with his family, serving in locations such as North Africa, England, Japan, South America and the U.S. He retired from the military in 1966 with the rank of T/SGT and enjoyed a long and happy retirement pursuing his favorite recreations; dancing and horse racing. Gary and Virginia were divorced in 1983. Gary is survived by his children: Kathleen Graham, Sharon (Dale) Dillinger, Gerhard (Donna) Willms, Robert (Debbie) Willms; grandchildren: Kristine Dillinger (David Norberg), Paul Dillinger, Carrie (Jimm) Day, Matthew Willms, Amanda and Holly Willms and great grandchildren: Alexander and Nicholas Norberg and Autumn Thompson. A Funeral Service will be held at Heritage Funeral Home at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 9, preceded by interment at Fairmont Memorial Park. A reception will follow at the home of Gary and Donna Willms, S. 6010 Freya St. at 12:30 PM. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be presented to St. Peters Catholic Church at 3520 E. 18th Ave, Spokane, WA 99223, or a charity of your choice.