Willis August Wurdeman

November 8, 2018 - March 13, 2018

Obituary

Willis Wurdeman slipped away Tuesday evening, March 13, 2018, at the age of 84 in Renton, WA.

Willis was born in rural Platte County, Nebraska to Julius and Ella (Rieck) Wurdeman.  He attended school at Christ Lutheran and Kramer High in Columbus.  After graduating from Concordia University (Seward, NE) with a degree in Education, he taught school in Detroit for a time.  Willis went back to Nebraska and married Dorothy Korte at Christ Lutheran Church in 1963.  In 1965 Willis relocated to the Seattle area.  At Seattle University he earned a master’s degree in the Art of Education, and he would go on to teach in the Renton school district for 30 years at schools including Sierra Heights, Bryn Mawr, and McKnight.  He loved the connection and influence he had with his students.

Willis was a longtime and active member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church (SeaTac).  He also served as a member of the Lions Club in Renton.  Willis was very sociable and could strike up conversation with anyone.   He also had a good sense of humor that not even a lengthy term with Alzheimer’s could suppress.

Willis will be missed by his wife of 55 years, Dorothy; son, Kent (Beth); son, Kurt; daughter, Kristen (Troy) Stelling; grandchildren, Zach, Micah, Nick, Lara, and Andrew; and brother, Marlyn.

Willis was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Ella; sister, Dolores Whitaker; brother, Willard; and brother, Marvin.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 24 at 11AM, at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church – 16919 33rd Ave SE, SeaTac, WA 98188.  A reception will follow.

Memorials may be sent to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, The Alzheimer’s Association, http://www.alz.org , Christ Lutheran Church and School, Columbus NE, or a charity of your choice.

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Arden & Nancy Saalfeld
Arden & Nancy Saalfeld
5 years ago

Dorothy & family,

Our sincere sympathy to all of you. We cherish the fond memories we have of Willis as he held a special place in our hearts.

Dorothy, It was wonderful visiting with you today on the phone and we need to keep in touch.

Our love,

Arden & Nancy

Cindy Eulberg
Cindy Eulberg
5 years ago

Please accept my condolences. My maiden name was Ahrens and I am Marlyn’s sister-in-law. I remember Willis from when I was a little girl. Your family is in my prayers.