Plymouth, MN - Our beloved father, George A. Willard of Plymouth, MN, passed away the afternoon of May 20, 2025, at the age of 81.

George was born in Duluth, the first of four boys for nurse Delores ("Boots") and marine engineer George Sr. His father switched from Great Lakes ships to safer trains, and the growing family spent time in Wilmar before settling in Saint Paul. George graduated from Murray HS in 1962, attended college for one year, and then "beat the draft board" by enlisting in the Navy in 1964.

His brief introduction to Dorothy Campbell at a sleigh ride in 1958 seemed minor. Meeting again five years later set wheels in motion, and they married in November 1965. Dorothy and George raised four children as the Navy moved them around the country, culminating with 14-year stay near San Diego, CA, before returning to the Twin Cities. Dorothy died in 2018.

George's military service went from Hospital Corpsman, through Medical Service Corps Lieutenant and National Guard Staff Sergeant, to his retirement as O-3. Along this journey he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from the College of St. Thomas and a Master's in Systems Management from USC. After leaving active military service, he worked for several defense contractors in California and Minnesota.

George and Dorothy were devoted and active churchgoers through their many moves, with Dorothy in the choir and George as a lay reader. Their final home church was St. David's Parish in Minnetonka.

George is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothy, and his brothers Terry, Bob, and Charles. He is survived by his four children, eight grandchildren, a growing flock of great-grandchildren, and many in-laws and out-laws. We have been blessed by the care of this wonderful man, who said "yes" when asked and always ran toward the fire.

We will have a memorial service for George at St. David's Parish in Minnetonka on Saturday, August 23, at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association (ALZ.org) or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS.org).