Willard Steinkraus

Willard Steinkraus of Polson, Montana passed away on July 3. Willard was born November 19, 1922 in Verndale, Minn., where he was raised on the family farm. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Anna Werth Steinkraus; brothers Robert, Henry, Alfred, Alvin, and Wilbert; and sisters Minnie Warm and Gertrude Ritari. His surviving siblings are brother Edmond and sister Mildred Olson, both in Minnesota. In 1952, he married Virginia Harwood Hendry and they settled in Waterloo, Iowa. They were blessed with two children, Robin and David. Willard worked as a carpenter building custom homes for many years, and he passed on his knowledge to numerous apprentices. He enjoyed woodworking as a hobby and made many fine gifts for friends and family. Ginny and Willard retired to Polson in 1985 where they enjoyed many years of volunteering, golfing and grandchildren together. Ginny passed away in 2011. Willard retained his sense of humor and his patient good nature until the end of his life. Willard is also survived by his daughter Robin, and her husband Mark Potter, of Polson; his son, David, of Santa Fe, New Mexico; and  grandchildren Teal Potter, Luke Potter, and Nicholas Steinkraus. A family memorial service will be held at a later date.