Willard Gust Bannick (96) of Dieterich

Willard Gust Bannick, 96, of Dieterich, IL, passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at his home south of Dieterich, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 19, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, rural Louisville, with Pastor Becker officiating. Burial will be in Dieterich Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, January 18, 2024 at Johnson Funeral Home, 1110 N. Fourth Street, Effingham and one hour prior to the service Friday at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Memorials may be made in loving memory of Willard to St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Louisville, or HSHS Hospice. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Willard was born June 7, 1927, in Rural Crescent City in Iroquois County, IL, the son of Earl and Catherine Bannick. He was reborn as a child of God in the waters of Holy Baptism on July 3, 1927 by Paster Jeschke in Crescent City, IL and confirmed on June 1, 1941 at St. Mathews Church, Dieterich, IL by Pastor Rothe. Willard grew up farming, where he learned the skills and work ethic that would establish the foundation for the rest of his life. On January 10, 1949, he married Loretta Kampschrader (Bannick), then purchased their home so they could start farming. In 1952, Willard was drafted and deployed to the Korean War. A few months later, his wife Loretta gave birth to their first child, Betty. Willard returned home from the Korean War in 1954 to return to the family farm, where he then purchased the first plot of farmland to continue their family legacy. In 1961, Willard and Loretta gave birth to their second child and son, Rick. Willard loved telling stories to his kids and grandchildren while they rode with him in the tractor and combine. With the help of his kids and grandkids, he grew the family farm for 73 years, where he could still be found cultivating fields until the age of 95. Willard was an avid NASCAR fan, loving husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed spending time working and passing his knowledge of farming and carpentry to his family. Willard was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Louisville.

Willard is survived by his daughter, Betty (Jim) Emmerich, son, Rick (Twila) Bannick all of Dieterich; grandchildren, Angie (Josh) Heuerman, Eric (Jeanne) Emmerich, Brent Emmerich, Justin Bannick, and Brittany (Jon) Yoder; great-grandchildren, Chris (Morgan) Lidy, Kallen, Kenzie and Kaya Emmerich, Rory, Gage, and Charlee Emmerich, Skyanna, Samara, and Hadley Bannick, and Jayson and Cassi Yoder; and great-great-grandchild, Chamberlain Lidy. Willard is survived also by his sisters, Laverda Willenborg, Bonnie Mellendorf, and Arnetia (Voris) Osborn.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Loretta Bannick, his parents Earl and Catherine; and his brother Gaylord Bannick and sister Lavanda Joergens.