Gessler, Willis A.

Willis A. Gessler, age 90, formerly of Tomahawk, passed away Saturday, September 25, 2010, at Wisconsin Veterans Home in King, WI. Willis was born on August 17, 1920, to Archie and Rose (Schorllkopf) Gessler in Richmond, WI. Willis married Carolyn Franco on August 28, 1943 in Reno, NV. Willis was mayor for the city of Tomahawk from 1976-1982, he was on the city council, and a volunteer on the fire department in Tomahawk for 10 years. Willis was the past president of the Lions Club and awarded a lifetime membership along with the 1994 Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. He was instrumental in the establishment of the SARA Park Activity Center in Tomahawk. Willis was a navy 2nd class petty officer (torpedo man) in World War II. He was a member in the American Legion, VFW, Chamber of Commerce and Tomahawk Area Corporation. Willis is survived by his wife, Carolyn Gessler of King, WI; son, Buddy (Debbie) Gessler of Tomahawk, WI; daughter, Nancy (Michael) Specht, Irma, WI, 5 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters, and 2 brothers. Willis was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, and a sister. Willis enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golf, loved to snowmobile, ice fish and the outdoors. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 30, 2010 at the Ainsworth Hall Chapel in King. Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM until time of services. Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences available at www.hollyfuneralhome.com.