Willerd W. Lennick, 70, Valley, Neb., died Friday, April 27, 2012 in Nebraska following a lengthy battle with cancer. Willerd’s memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Friday, May 4, 2012 at Ladbury Funeral Service, with Rev. Tim Voth officiating. Inurnment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

Will was born to Alvin and Elizabeth (Moos) Lennick on April 3, 1942 in Beulah. Will grew up and attended school in the Bluegrass area until he enlisted in the Navy on November 22, 1961. He was stationed in Alameda, Calif. as an aircraft engine mechanic until he was honorably discharged on March 25, 1966. After the Navy he did everything from mechanics to construction. Will took pride in every job he took on. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and breeding dogs. Will and Leone spent endless hours taking care of and finding good homes for the dogs they raised at their home in Valley, Neb.

Will is survived by his children, Dave (Jenn) Lennick, Dickinson; Wade Lennick, Bullhead City, Ariz.; Chad Lennick, Dickinson; Lisa (Travis) Livesay, Bismarck; Mark Hellman, Mandan; 9 grandchildren; two brothers Marvin (Cinderella) Lennick, Dickinson; Howard (Nancy) Lennick, Dickinson; one sister Mary Schmidt, Dickinson; one sister-in-law Maryann (Grosz) Lennick, Carlsbad, Calif.; numerous nieces and nephews; and his long time companion Leone Kreager, Valley, Neb.

He is preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Elizabeth Lennick; his brother Robert Lennick, his sister Liela (Luithle) Salveson, and two brothers-in-law Clifford Schmidt and Leroy Luithle.