Willard "Will" Jon Wray
July 23, 1939 — April 18, 2024
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Service Details
Remembered for his always ready smile, hard work, passion and great capacity to love and laugh, Willard “Will” Wray passed away April 18, 2024.
Will was born July 23, 1939, in Austin, Minnesota and moved to his long-time home state of Iowa when he was 14 years old. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to countless many.
Will joins those in heaven including his parents, Grace and Willard Sr, brother Paul and nephew Jason.
Greatly missing him are his high-school sweetheart and spouse of 64 years, Pattie; his son, Greg (Melissa) Wray; daughter, Sheila (Thomas) Given; and grandchildren, Adam Collins and Grace Given. He was also an uncle and adoptive grandfather to a number of beloved nieces and nephews, cousins and neighbors.
A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, Will was a top graduate of the Army’s Engineering school and served in Germany, where he and Pattie were married in 1960. He worked for the City of Clive, Iowa nearly three decades (1971-1998), where he was devoted to the growth of the Greenbelt Park and the community as a whole. Will went on to work another 20 years as a public works expert witness.
A gardener at heart, Will loved fishing and traveling with his family and friends and was known for his famous fish fries. Embracing the Christian faith and the Lord Jesus Christ as a teenager, he was most recently affiliated with Valley E. Free Church in West Des Moines.
“...to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). Will is greatly missed but we will see him again.
Contributions in Will’s memory can be made to the Salvation Army. Condolences of sympathy to the family may be expressed at www.HamiltonFuneralHome.com
Patrice Hoerster
06/06/2024
One always wonders what causes someone come to mind. Thankful for the internet, but sorry to hear of this loss. One of the best bosses I ever had. Fond memories of him seeing me not just as the secretary. Willard got me up in the mosquito spraying copter, up in a small airplane to take aerial photographs of the city, climb the water tower, help guide traffic at the holiday parades, respond to the child who had mailed "Bucky Beaver" when the street crews planted a mailbox in a ditch as a joke, teaching me to backup a city truck using only the mirrors - a skill I still use today. Most importantly, he invited me to evening volley ball at his church, which led me to a service, which led me to Christ. An eternal gift. See you one day and we can sing with the choir! Blessings to your family who continue to enjoy your legacy.
James Dressen
04/29/2024
Wonderful person to know and call on in the public works arena. He was always a pleasure to visit with regarding public works projects and demands. Bless Willard.
Kenneth Popken
04/28/2024
I wanted to pass on the good memories of have of Williard. He was serving as the Public Works Director for Clive for the years I was a member of the City Council. Clearly, he was a major figure in the development of the Greenbelt and the parks systems in Clive, the City of Clive needs to recognize that. Whenever I rode my bicycle on the "curvy" parts of the Greenbelt Trail (the earliest sections), I think of Willard. He was very diligent about not removing trees.
One other memory of Willard as I was associated with the city was a time when I voted on the budget for public works. On one occasion, he had budgeted for a chain saw. During his presentation he explained that it was a very important item. I disagreed and moved to remove it from his budget. As I recall, it was not included in the budget for that year. Clearly, Willard was disappointed, but I suspect he eventually got it expensed in a subsequent budget.
A great guy to work with.
Ken Popken
John C Kline
04/24/2024
I always liked where I stood with Willard. Didn’t always like the answers but I knew that I was getting the truth. A good man for sure. My condolences. John C Kline
Cynthia Fisher
04/23/2024
I am sorry to hear about Will. I remember the huge garden he had, & the fun fish fries for our Gailiean SS class from Federated. He had a great sense of humor & always had a smile on his face. I am praying for God's comfort for you, Pattie, & the children & grandchildren, & extended family members.
Christina
04/23/2024
Will was an amazing man of faith, a wonderful Grandfather, Dad, husband and was apart of the family and was such a joy. He will be missed we love him and will cherish memories of him. He was a one a kind person. Now he is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.