Frank A. Wills

Frank Anton Wills, 79, of rural Junction, Illinois, died peacefully at home on, Thursday, November 9, 2023. He is survived by his beloved wife of over forty years, Jean Bright Wills, with whom he enjoyed a life filled with love. Born in Butte, Montana on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1944, to the late Frank and Elizabeth (Wirtz) Wills, he was the third of four sons. He also preceded in death by his two brothers, Edward and Al Davis.  Frank graduated from Butte High School where he played the tuba and excelled in math and science. He earned a degree in geophysical engineering from the Montana School of Mines, and he lived in various western states working as a mining engineer. He enjoyed golf and being in the outdoors. He was a glider pilot and owned the first t-tail glider which he donated to a museum. Frank moved to Junction from Santa Maria, California over thirty years ago to be close to Jean’s family, living in “their little house on the hill.” A friend to all the cats, dogs, and ferrets, he told tall tales both true and fantastical, wrote poems for the people he loved, and delighted and groaned while watching Cardinals baseball. He lived with generosity and good humor, and his eyes lit up with delight when he laughed. Jean was the love of his life and cared for him in his final years. He is also survived by his two daughters, Heidi and Kobi Yamada,  Kristel and Paul Gibson; his grandchildren, Shale and Ever Yamada; his younger brother, Daniel Wills, and his children, Daniel Wills, Jr. and Leeann Todd; his brothers-in-law Jerry and David Schmitt, Jack Dickey, Tom Harmon, Jim Schanzle, and Jim Wargel; and his sisters-in-law Sue Naas, Jane Harmon, Lucinda Schmitt, Gena Schmitt, and Lynn Schanzle. He was the beloved uncle, cousin, and friend to many more who he loved dearly. It is an understatement to say he will be missed. Frank, you will forever be in our hearts and on our minds. Visitation for Frank will be on Monday, November 13th from 9 a.m. until Funeral Mass of Celebration time of 11 a.m. at the St. Kateri Catholic Church in Ridgway.  Father Tom Barrett will officiate the service.  Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery near Ridgway.  Donations in Frank’s memory may be made to the St. Kateri Altar Society, Gallatin County Golden Circle, or PAWS Organization, PO Box 3771 Seattle, WA 98124-3771.  Donation and Mass cards will be available at the Church.   Vickery Funeral Chapel in Ridgway will be in charge of arrangements.