In loving memory of

Wilbert "Willy" Charles DeVries
August 19, 1933 - August 29, 2019

Wilbert "Willy" Charles DeVries passed away Thursday, August 29, 2019, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City. He was born on August 19, 1933, to Pete and Anna (Schroeder) DeVries in rural Chapin, Iowa.

Willy attended and graduated from Chapin Consolidated schools. He started farming with his father right after graduating. Willy was a farmer for his entire life. He was very passionate about farming and especially loved raising cattle and loved to talk about cattle.

He was married to Janice Borcherding on June 19, 1955, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hampton. From this union two sons were born, Mark and Philip. Willy loved his family dearly and was especially proud of his three grandsons; Joseph, Aaron, and Zachary. He was always very interested in their activities and loved to talk about their many accomplishments.

Willy loved his Lord and Savior and loved to talk about his faith in Jesus whenever he could. He and his wife Janice were very active members of the Zion Reformed Church. They were involved in Bible study and couples club. Willy served on the Consistory and other various boards and committees within the church. Willy served on the Sheffield-Chapin School board for nine years, several of which as President. He and his wife served as leaders for the Ross Block and Bridle 4-H club. He served on the Franklin County Cattlemen's and a few Iowa Cattlemen's policy committees.

Willy is survived by his son Mark (Carma) DeVries, son Philip (Angie) DeVries, grandsons Joe DeVries, Aaron DeVries, Zach DeVries all of rural Sheffield; sister-in-law Esther DeVries of rural Sheffield; sister and brother-in-law Betty and Ken Hunter of Casa Grande, Arizona; along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Janice of 55 years, brother Al DeVries, sister Carolyn (Ken) Meinders, sister and brother-in-law Don and Shirley DeVries and nephew David DeVries.

Tributes

Julie Gauthier wrote on Oct 9, 2019:

" My Uncle Willy what is the definition of a man?s man and a true farmer. He was a loving husband and I admired him deeply. I will forever miss speaking to him about weather as we always connected and related on that topic. Going back and forth with comparisons was always fun and made me feel like a little girl sitting at the table in the kitchen. Another top memory is his use of the word beautiful. The way it always sounded so extra beautiful when he or Aunt Janice would say it. With his passing I feel farther away from farm life memories and so sad. My only comfort is thinking of having Aunt Janice?s cinnamon rolls together again in heaven one day. All my love and deepest sympathies to all my Iowa family, Julie"

cynthia wrote on Sep 3, 2019:

" I was sorry to read about the passing of Mr. Devries. Death was never part of God's plan for mankind. Please accept my deepest sympathies. May the God of comfort give you peace during this most difficult time. Sincerely, Cynthia "

cynthia wrote on Sep 3, 2019:

" I was sorry to read about the passing of Wilbert Willy Charles. Death was never part of God's plan for mankind. Please accept my deepest sympathies. May the God of comfort give you peace during this most difficult time. Sincerely, Cynthia "

Pat Chaplin wrote on Sep 2, 2019:

"I will always remember the week Janice & Willie and my Mom spent with me at my home in Phoenix. We had some great family time and Willie even helped me with a couple of small projects. They were always willing to help & share their love of God. My thoughts & sympathy are with Mark & Philip and their families for the loss of a loving father & grandfather. "

Bryan & Valerie Anderson wrote on Sep 1, 2019:

"Bryan and I thought the world of Jan and Willy. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. Bryan & Valerie Anderson"

Janet & Lanny Buls wrote on Sep 1, 2019:

"Carma, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "

Barb Moor wrote on Aug 31, 2019:

"Silly loved life , family & freinds . He always had a smile & a contagious laugh, he adored his wife Janice& his family, he will be missed by all that knew him"

Robyn wrote on Aug 30, 2019:

"Willie.... a very kind, gentle man who knew how to pray with passion ?? Rest In Peace Willie Heaven definitely gained another angel "