Willard Held

Willard Held, age 80, of Moorhead, MN, died Monday, July 5, 2010, at his home, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.


Willard Edwin Held, the son of Ruth and Jacob Fred Held, was born September 19, 1929, in New Salem, ND, where he grew up and received his education. He spent his childhood on the family farm and always spoke fondly of growing up there. As a young man, he served in the US Army, including overseas in Germany.


Upon his discharge, Willard moved to Moorhead, and worked as a woodworker for a number of companies including Twin City Construction. On May 27, 1966, Willard married Mary Ann Brainerd, in Moorhead, where they made their home. Willard worked as a self-employed cabinet maker until he retired in 1999.


Faith and family, especially his grandchildren, were very important to Willard. He cherished time with his grandchildren, whether talking with them on the phone, or going to their hockey games. He regularly attended the Fargo (ND) Senior Citizen Center, and enjoyed Fridays at Moorhead Athletic Association. He was a big Twins and Vikings fan.


Willard is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, of Moorhead; a daughter, Vicky (Rick) Westra, Moorhead; son, Lee (Kelly) Held, Hershey, PA; grandchildren, Nolan and Colton Westra and Madison and Alexandra Held; a brother, Marvin (Joyce) Held; and sisters, Helen Kruger and Elizabeth Held. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Vernon.


Visitation: Sunday, 4 PM to 7 PM,
Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead.


Funeral service: Monday, July 12, 2010, at 2:00 PM,
Grace United Methodist Church, Moorhead.


Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo.