Willard Kenneth Mees

Willard was born to Helen (Bitzer) and Otto John Mees in Tolstoy, SD on June 23, 1928. Will graduated from Wilmont High School in 1946. After graduating high school, Will enlisted in the Navy in July 1946. He served two years as a Hospital Corpsman. After the Navy, he received his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Optometry from Illinois College of Optometry. Will received several post graduate certifications throughout his professional career. Will met his wife Mary Ann Pongratz when he was in the final stages of his optometric education. Willard and Mary Ann married on November 26, 1955. They moved to Brush, CO where Will began his practice of Optometry in 1956 and raised their three sons Jeffery, Craig, and Brad. Along with his practice, Will was elected to the Morgan Community College board as Treasurer. On the board he assisted in opening the first community college in Morgan County. In 1977, Will and Mary Ann moved to Denver where Will continued to practice Optometry until December 1999. Willard holds a Life Membership in both the Colorado Optometric Association and American Optometric Association. In retirement, Will enjoyed his time at the golf course and golfing in the senior men’s league.

Willard is survived by his two sons Craig Steven Mees (Yolanda) and Brad Charles Mees (Sheila), two siblings Grace (Mees) Knight and Clayton Mees, eight grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. Willard is preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann Mees, son Jeffery Alan Mees, both parents, and sister Joy (Mees) Olson.

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