Norman Wills

Norman Frederick Wills passed on January 12, 2022 from complications of Alzheimer’s.  Norm was born in Rockford, Illinois on April 22, 1933, the son of Frederick “Fritz” Wills and Mildred Rewerts Wills.  Norm graduated from Stillman Valley High School in 1951, proud to be chosen Athlete of the Year and a member of the school’s first 6 man football team.  In 1955, just home from the Korean war where he served as a tank commander, he was hired by Rockford Blacktop Construction Company as a dozer operator, and remained with the company for 43 years advancing from operator to superintendent before retiring in 1997.  In 1956 he married Charlene Meads.  They shared their lives together for 65 years.  Norm helped reorganize and modernize the Stillman Valley Fire Department as well as serving on the Stillman Valley town board.  However, his love for farming was too strong, and in 1974 his family moved to the country where he fed, bred, and showed Polled Hereford cattle and he established a haying business.  Norm was an avid Stillman Valley High School football fan not missing a game at home or away until his health began to deteriorate.  Norm is survived by his wife Charlene, his daughter Tammi Haverly (Jim) Cherry Valley, his granddaughter Jordan Robison (Henry) Cherry Valley, his son N. Todd Wills (Diane) Davis Junction; his sister, Janice Bloom (Jim), Cherry Valley; nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his parents. The family sends grateful thanks to Robert Swartz, Victoria White and Alka Bond- caregivers whose love and compassion helped him get thru a difficult time; to Karen Ramage, “his pretty lady”, who took him for adventurous rides and who has been caring for him for several years; to Pam, “cookie lady”, and Larry Knott who kept a loving eye on him; Naomi Law, who always had a pie waiting for him; the Stillman Valley Firemen for lending a helping hand; and Molly Engelkes, his doctor/nurse who on his worst day put a smile on Norm’s face.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Stillman Fire Protection District and the Stillman Valley Cardinal Football program.  There are no services planned at this time.  However, the family suggests you spend a day like Norm would:  building a road, plowing snow, bailing hay, working cattle, or watching the SV Cardinals.  And make sure you “Work your ass off!”