Orson S. Willard, age 93, passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2022. He was born in Fond du Lac on September 25, 1928, the son of the late Alonzo and Grace (Norton) Willard. On June 13, 1953 he married Nancy Barber in Two Rivers. Orson graduated from Fond du Lac High School, served proudly in the U.S. Air Force, and went on to earn his Masters of Science Degree in Biology from U.W.-Oshkosh. He taught at Elkton, MI High School and Birnamwood, WI High School, then went on to become an associate professor with U.W.-Oshkosh, retiring in 1989. He was very active in athletics, as a football player and 1953 captain of the Titans football team, coach, and belonged to Periclean Fraternity. Orson enjoyed Elder Hostel’s and traveling with Nancy. He enjoyed building model airplanes from scratch, painting lead soldiers, boating and reading. Many will know him from being a tour guide, or docent, at E.A.A. for 24 years. When he lost his eyesight, he listened to the radio and enjoyed sports, including the Badgers, Brewers, Packers, Bucks and Oshkosh Titans. Orson will be remembered for being a quiet person with a sharp sense of humor.
Orson is survived by his wife of 69 years, Nancy; children: Stephen Willard of Oshkosh, John Willard of Oshkosh and Wendy (Michael) Raison of Las Vegas; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Rick Willard; and two sisters and a brother.
A private graveside service will be held in Lakeview Memorial Park, Oshkosh. Donations may be made directly to the U.W.-Oshkosh athletic department.
The family expresses a special thank you to the staff at Eden Meadows for their wonderful care.