Robert E. Willets

February 18, 2007

Robert E. Willets, 87, passed away on February 18, 2007 in St. Vincent's Mercy Medical Center. He was born on November 5., 1919 to Samuel and Grace Willets. Robert was a loving son to his parents, and to his sister and brothers; Beatrice, Jack and Don, who all proceeded him in death. Robert graduated from DeVilbiss High School, where he was on the boxing team. He spent his early years being quite active in the Boy Scouts of America in Toledo, becoming a Scoutmaster, helping the young boys attain the knowledge and skills to become better citizens, that Scouting offers. Robert helped plant a large number of the different species of Oak Tress at Camp Miakonda, which to this day stand tall and proud. Somewhere along the line he ran into Mary Kathleen Kirkman, who became his wife on June 12, 1942. Robert and Mary K both were in the Civil Air Patrol during World War 2, Robert attained the rank of Sgt., while Mary K was his Lt. Robert's employment was varied over the years. He worked at the Toledo Ticket Company during his early years. During the war he worked at Willy's Overland, making .50 cal. bullets. He changed to the accounting dept. during the war. His first love was accounting, after the war he worked for the I.R.S. He then switched gears to become the service manager at Bauer Harrington Lincoln Mercury in Toledo. In the mid 50's he became the office manager at Canon Cleaners in Toledo. In 1959 He decided he was going to become the "Pillow Man" of NW Ohio. He obtained the distributership for "Fluff 'N Puff" pillow cleaners. The idea of cleaning the feathers in pillows and comforters was a great idea, but slow to gain acceptance. Especially with the advent of pillows without feathers, in the early 60's, times were tough for someone trying to make a living cleaning feathers. Robert returned to his love of accounting, opening up an office on Sylvania Ave., Robert E. Willets Accounting and Tax Service, where he stayed until he retired and sold his business to his associate. During the 1960's Robert was a member of Sertoma International, who's moto is "Service to Mankind". Robert was elected to the postion of Govenor of the NW Ohio Southern Michigan District. Robert was a lifelong member of the Mason's, and a member of the Zenobia Shrine of Toledo. Robert was a member of the Toledo American Turners for over 50 years. He was a founding father of the German American Festival, which is held every August in Toledo. Robert was President of the festival for 18 years. And through his leadership, the festival was able to grow and prosper, and to become the great success that it is, shared annually by family, friends and the citizens of NW Ohio. On the grounds of the festival, Robert was honored with a street bearing his name. Robert is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Mary K. He is further survived by his son Jeffrey (Kathy) Willets of Las Vegas, and granddaughters Kristen, (who proceeded him in death), and Ashley Willets of Port St. Lucie Fla. Also survived by his daughter Robin Majewski (Bob), and grandaughter Raela, of Toledo. Robert leaves behind many friends and family from Toledo to Ft. Myers Bch. Fla. where he and Mary K spent their winters for the last 25 years. Robert will be truly missed by all that had the good fortune to know him. Friends are invited to visit on Thursday Feb, 22 2007 from 4:00- 7:00 PM, also on Friday Feb. 23, 2007 from 9:00 - 12:00 Noon in the Ansberg-West Funreal Home, 3000 Sylvania Ave.. Where funreal service will begin at 12 Noon. Internment in Toledo Memorial Park Cemetery.