Willard James Quade

Willard James Quade, age 101, a life-long Milton area resident passed away at Milton Senior Living on Monday morning, November 13, 2023. He was born in Janesville on July 11, 1922, the son of Edward and Agnes (Schultz) Quade. He attended Creekside School in LaPrairie Township, grades 1 thru 8. He then attended Janesville High School while helping on the family farm as well as on neighboring farms in LaPrairie Township.

Willard was inducted into the U.S. Army on November 17, 1942 and proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged on October 28, 1944. He served with Co. D 141st Regiment, 36th infantry Division with the 81 mm Mortar Squad. He went into North Africa for further training in the Bay of Oran and the Atlas Mountain Range. His unit invaded Italy at the Salerno Beachhead on September 9, 1943 at 3 a.m. in the morning with much ensuing combat throughout Italy for the next year until he was honorably discharged.

Willard married Geneiva Bacon on June 1, 1946 at St. John Lutheran Church, Janesville. They were married for 63 years before her death on November 5, 2009.

Willard farmed in Harmony Township from 1949 into his 80’s helping his son before he retired. He was a life-long member of St. John Lutheran Church holding several offices during that time. He was a life-member of Kienow-Hilt V.F.W. Post # 1621, Janesville, a member of Moose Lodge # 197, Rock County Farm Bureau and a former board member, a Harmony 4-H beef leader, a school board member of the Dillenbeck School and member of the Milton F.F.A alumni.

Willard enjoyed fishing, traveling, following all Badger Sports, Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. Following retirement, he enjoyed taking care of his lawn and time spent with his grandkids and great grandkids.

Willard is survived by his children; James W. (Mary) Quade of Milton, WI, Diane K. Willyerd of Eau Claire, WI, David A. Quade of Jacksonville, FL, Daniel L (Kim) Quade of Stillwater, MN, Jeffrey S. (Dana) Quade of Federal Way, WA, Steven D. (Julia) Quade of Milton, WI; grandchildren, Sarah Quade; Angela (David) Kragness, Jennifer (David) Monroe, Mike (Julia) Richard, Evan and Eric Quade, Tyler Quade, Kate (James) Quade/Christensen, Anna and Grace Quade; step-grandchildren Jessica Willyerd and Dustin Willyerd; great-grandchildren, Cade and Brynn Richard, June Monroe, Lillian and Miles Kragness; step great grandchildren, Quinn, Gavin, Collin Lofgren; his sister-in-law, Eva Reed. In addition to his wife, Geneiva and his parents, Willard was preceded in death by a daughter Janet who died in infancy, brother, Glenn (Marie) Quade and son-in-law Geoff Willyerd.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 18, 2023 at ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH, 302 N. Parker Drive, Janesville. Burial will follow in Milton Lawns Memorial Park with military rites by Kienow-Hilt V.F.W. Post # 1621. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, November 17th at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, 1010 N. Wright Road, Janesville and at the CHURCH on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church or the Vets Roll in Willard’s name. The Quade family is being assisted by HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME. Online condolences may be sent to www.henkeclarson.com.

Special thanks to Milton Senior Living and Agrace Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to their Dad.