Willis J. DeJong, 85, of Avon

Funeral services are 1:30 PM, Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. Burial is in the church cemetery, rural Springfield, with Military Honors. Visitation will be Tuesday with family present from 5 until 7 PM at the church. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Emmanuel Reformed Church cemetery upgrade, mission work in 3rd world countries, or the charity of your choice.

Willis J. DeJong, son of William and Fannie (Hobma) DeJong, was born June 18, 1931 on a farm near Springfield. Surrounded by his family, he crossed over into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Willis attained the age of 85 years, seven months and 18 days.

Willis attended country school and graduated from Springfield High School in 1949. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954, during the Korean War.

Willis married Marjorie DeVelder at her parents' home in Harrison on November 27, 1956. Six children were blessed to their union. Together they farmed in the Springfield area all of their lives. He was a kind, gentle and honorable man who loved farming and raising livestock.

Willis was a member of the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield where he served as an elder and a deacon. He was also a member of the Dwight Wood American Legion Post in Springfield.

Willis dearly loved his grandkids and great grandkids and going to their activities. He also loved raising cattle, riding his 4-wheeler with Marge to check his cows and fences, and tinkering in his shop making many useful things out of scraps and old machinery.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife of 60 years, Marge; children: Marlis Eben and husband Ken of Avon, Wilma Vinzant and husband Greg of Sioux Falls, Roger and friend Candy of Springfield, Dennis and wife Blanche of Avon, Cal and wife Tammy of Springfield, and Wanda Jeffcoat of Sioux Falls; 21 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; three siblings: Ray of Denver, CO, Merrill and wife Bonnie of Clinton, WI, and Irene Olivier and husband Lloyd of Corsica; sisters-in-law: Lorraine DeJong and Alberta DeJong, both of Springfield; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Willis was preceded in death by his parents; grandson Casey; five brothers: George, Eldon, Gerald, Wayne and Leroy, who died in infancy; and sister-in-law, Shirley DeJong.