Michael Brenton Willard “Tojo”, the son of Gary and Dora (Loux) Willard, was born on February 1, 1982, in Fort Dodge, Iowa.
Tojo grew up in Eagle Grove and graduated from Eagle Grove High School in 2000. He played all sports growing up and was a pitcher and state qualifier golfer for EGHS. He attended college at Hawkeye Tech in Waterloo, Iowa earning a degree in Landscape and Turf Management, and he worked for the Eagle Grove Golf Course.
Tojo was one of the first turf interns at The Vineyard Golf Club on Martha’s Vineyard in Edgartown, Massachusetts in 2005 and worked there for 12 years. He later moved to Fort Worth, Texas and worked as the superintendent at Waterchase Golf Club for seven years.
Tojo enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his many nieces and nephews. He loved live music, fishing, sports, rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and playing golf. Tojo had a great personality, was a friend to all, and would do anything for anybody.
Tojo passed away surrounded by family and friends at home in Eagle Grove on February 25th, 2025 at the age of 43. He was preceded in death by his father, Gary Willard; grandparents: Louis and Jean Willard, Richard Loux and Pat Malaise and significant other, Margarite Burell.
Tojo is survived by his daughter, Savanna Haak; mother, Dora Willard; siblings: Bridget Willard and Brandon Willard (Karla); significant other, Bre O’Hern; nieces and nephews: Makayla Cortez (Moises), Raven Boone (Tom), Kamree Willard, Logan Willard (McKristie), Sydney Willard and Syrus Willard and many aunts, uncles, cousins and great nieces and nephews.
A visitation was held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, followed by a memorial service at 3:30 p.m. at Foust Funeral Home in Eagle Grove. A celebration of life was held at the Eagle Grove Country Club following the services.
Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.
